Led light control assembly and system

ABSTRACT

An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver light fixture. The optical transceiver light fixture includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, at least one photodetector, and a processor. A facility control unit is in communication with the light emitting diode light fixtures and a control server. The facility control unit is constructed and arranged to control the operation of the optical transceiver light fixtures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/597,518, filed Jan. 15, 2015, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,414,458 on Aug. 9, 2016, which claims priority toProvisional Application No. 61/927,638, filed Jan. 15, 2014, thedisclosure all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/208,125, filed on Mar. 13, 2014, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,258,864 on Feb. 9, 2016, which claims benefit of61/778,672, filed Mar. 13, 2013 the disclosures all of which areexpressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/427,358, filed Mar. 22, 2012, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,744,267 on Jun. 3, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/126,342, filed May 23, 2008, nowabandoned, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/931,611 filed May 24, 2007, the disclosures all of which areexpressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/270,670, filed May 6, 2014, which claims benefit of61/819,861 filed May 6, 2013, the disclosures all of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is generally directed tolight emitting diodes (LEDs) and applications thereof. In particular,some embodiments of the present invention are directed to using LEDs toprovide illumination as well as internet access and communicationcapability to individuals and businesses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Light transmissions used for communication are extremely secure due tothe fact that the light transmission is focused within a narrow beam,requiring placement of equipment within the beam itself to establish acommunication link. Also, because light transmissions in the visiblespectrum are not regulated by the FCC, light transmissions may be usedfor communications purposes without the need of a license. Lighttransmissions are also not susceptible to interference nor do theyproduce noise that may interfere with other devices.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as light sources for datatransmission, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263 and 7,046,160,the entire contents of each being expressly incorporated herein byreference. LED technology provides a practical opportunity to combinelighting and communication. This combination of lighting andcommunication allows ubiquitous light sources to be converted to, orsupplemented with, LED technology to provide for communications whilesimultaneously producing light for illumination purposes.

Regarding office buildings, building management is a complex sciencewhich incorporates and governs all facets of human, mechanical andstructural systems associated with buildings. As a result of thecomplexity, most commercial buildings are managed by commercial propertymanagement companies with great expertise. Both at the time ofconstruction and throughout the life-cycle of a building, theinterrelationships between people and the mechanical and structuralsystems are most desirably evaluated.

Another very important consideration associated with building managementis energy management. Energy management is quite challenging to designinto a building, because many human variables come into play withindifferent areas within a building structure. Different occupants willhave different preferences and habits. One occupant may require fullillumination for that occupant to operate efficiently or safely within aspace, while a second occupant might only require a small amount orlocal area of illumination. Further complicating the matter of energymanagement is the fact that many commercial establishments mayexperience rates based upon peak usage. A business with a large numberof lights that are controlled with a common switch may have peak demandswhich are large as compared to total consumption of power, simply due tothe amount of power that will rush into the circuit. Breaking thecircuit into several switches may not adequately address inrush current,since a user may switch more than one switch at a time, such as bysliding a hand across several switches at once. Additionally, duringmomentary or short-term power outages, the start-up of electricaldevices by the power company is known to cause many problems, sometimesharming either customer equipment or power company devices.

Energy management may also include consideration for differences intemperature preferred by different occupants or for differentactivities. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) demand orneed is dependent not only upon the desired temperature for a particularoccupant, but also upon the number of occupants within a relativelylimited space

With careful facility design, considerable electrical and thermal energycan be saved. Proper management of electrical resources affects everyindustry, including both tenants and building owners. In many instancesfacility design has been limited to selection of very simple or basicswitches, and thermostats, and particular lights, all fixed at the timeof design, construction or installation.

Modern communications systems interconnect various electrical,electro-mechanical, or electrically controlled apparatuses. Theseconnections may be referred to as connections between client devices andhost devices. Host devices are simply parts of a network that serve tohost or enable communications between various client devices. Generallyspeaking, host devices are apparatuses that are dedicated to providingor enabling communications. Peer-to-peer networks may also existwherein, at any given moment, a device may be either client or host. Insuch a network, when the device is providing communication, data,information or services, it may be referred to as the host, and when thesame device is requesting information, it may be referred to as theclient.

Client devices may commonly include computing devices of all sorts,ranging from hand-held devices such as Personal Digital Assistants(PDAs) to massive mainframe computers, and including Personal Computers(PCs). However, over time many more devices have been enabled forconnection to network hosts, including for exemplary purposes printers,network storage devices, cameras, other security and safety devices,appliances, HVAC systems, manufacturing machinery, smart phones, mobileapplications and so forth. Essentially, any device which incorporates orcan be made to incorporate sufficient electronic circuitry may be solinked as a client to a host.

Most current communications systems rely upon wires and/or radio wavesto link clients and hosts. Existing client devices are frequentlydesigned to connect to host network access points through wiredconnections, fiber optic connections, or as wireless connections, suchas wireless routers or wireless access points.

Buildings frequently incorporate wireless networks which are subject toa number of limitations. One of these is the lack of specificlocalization of a signal and device. For exemplary purposes, even a weakRadio-Frequency (RF) transceiver, in order to communicate reliably withall devices within a room, will have a signal pattern that willundoubtedly cross into adjacent rooms. When many rooms are to be coveredby different transceivers, signal overlap between transceivers requiresmore complex communications systems, including incorporating techniquessuch as access control and device selection based upon identification.Radio frequency systems are subject to outside tapping and corruption,since containment of the signal is practically impossible for mostbuildings.

In addition to data communications, buildings and other spaces may alsohave a number of needs including, for exemplary illumination, fire andsmoke detection, temperature control, and public address to name a few.With regard to illumination, buildings and other spaces are designedwith a particular number and placement of particular types of lightbulbs. Most designers incorporate incandescent or fluorescent bulbs toprovide a desirable illumination within a space. The number andplacement of these bulbs is most commonly based upon the intended use ofthe space.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a)exists.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below. A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in thespecification is provided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R.§1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A plurality of light supports incorporating light emitting diodes orsolitary light emitting diode light sources may be electrically coupledin either a parallel or series manner to a controller. The controller isalso preferably in electrical communication with the power supply andthe LED's, to regulate or modulate the light intensity for the LED lightsources. The individual LED's and/or arrays of LED's may be used fortransmission of communication packets of data or information formed oflight signals embedded within illumination. The light signals are notobservable to the unaided eyes of an individual.

The controller for the LED light support may generate and/or recognizepulsed light signals used to communicate information. The LED lightsystem may also include a receptor or photodiode coupled to thecontroller, where the receptor or photodiode is constructed and arrangedfor receipt of pulsed LED light signals for conversion to digitalinformation, and for transfer of the digital information to thecontroller for analysis and interpretation. The controller may thenissue a light signal or other communication signal to communicate thecontent of received information transmitted via a pulsed LED lightcarrier.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided anillumination apparatus that is capable of illuminating a space andsimultaneously capable of communicating through visible light directlywith a number of adjunct devices. In addition to human communications,communications with adjunct devices may effect various convenience,security, energy management and related functions. The illuminationapparatus further enables control over intensity, color, and temperatureof light without requiring any physical change of the illuminationapparatus.

Visible Light Embedded Communication, or VLEC, as disclosed herein is asecure last mile solution to many diverse communications needs. Lastmile refers to the final portion of any communications system. It iscommonly known that the last mile of most systems is responsible for thevast majority of expense and difficulty in establishing and maintaininga communication system.

Light Emitting Diodes, or LEDs, provide with other apparatus acommunications channel while simultaneously affording flexibleillumination within a space or building. Using LEDs to provide visiblelighting and to embed communications therein enables the presentinvention to improve security and provide higher communication and/ordata transmission capacity as compared to lighting systems as known. TheLED link is untethered and enables a communication link with nomadicdevices. The link is untethered in that the user is independent of anyone host, and may get the same information at other optical hostslocations.

A VLEC system designed in accord with the teachings of the presentinvention may interface with new or existing building internalelectrical wiring. By positioning architectural lighting fixtures thatperform dual functions as VLEC and/or server optical transceiver (XCVR)transceivers, a building space may be efficiently illuminated whileaccomplishing high-speed secure wireless data communication. In someembodiments, a VLEC and an XCVR may be used interchangeably. The LEDsthat are incorporated into VLEC transceivers are environmentallyfriendly and relatively insensitive to atmospheric conditions. A VLECsystem has the added benefit of communicating by pulsing the LEDs insuch a way as to communicate data at nearly the same rate or capacity,or a faster rate or capacity, as compared to modern fiber opticchannels.

Embodiments designed in accord with the teachings of the presentinvention may be fully integrated into existing networks andinfrastructures presently in use. Security and access levels may becontrolled on the back end of a network by employing known equipmentsuch as a firewalls, routers and hubs. Embodiments of the presentinvention are meant to improve and compliment communication areas thatfall short in today's existing infrastructure, from full duplexcommunications of voice to ultra high speed broadband packet datatransfers for full motion video, on highly reliable, scalable, stableand fully redundant infrastructures. Most deployments are easily startedby taking advantage of existing infrastructures and applying low costfill-in or gap solutions. Many modulations schemes are available today,such as CDMA, OFDM, TDM, PWM, PPM, PDM, AM, BPSK and specific layers ofQAM, to name a few, which may be used in conjunction with the presentinvention. Low-power BPL/PLC systems may be used to provide high speeddigital communications capabilities by coupling RF energy onto the powerlines inside a building. In addition, higher speeds than available fromexisting Access BPL technology may be obtained in the preferredembodiments by encasing the electrical wire in conduit, therebyimplementing Shielded BPL (S-BPL) in accord with the present teachings.

In some embodiments, the present invention has the capacity to providelow power communications for energy management, emergency back-up,security and special applications utilizing alternative power sourcessuch as batteries or solar cells.

The present invention also has the ability to provide embeddedcommunications through visible light, whether or not the visible lightis at an intensity great enough, or for sufficient duration, to bedetected by the human eye.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of LED light controlassembly and system.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an LED light source in any exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one alternative embodiment of a USBdongle or key interface device.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one alternative embodiment of an LED lightfixture.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of one an alternative embodiment of anelectronic device.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one alternative embodiment of a controlunit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LED lightcontrol assembly and system.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LED lightcontrol assembly and system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an identifier.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of the LEDlight control assembly and system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LED lightcontrol assembly and system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LED lightcontrol assembly and system.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LED lightcontrol assembly and system.

FIG. 14 illustrates by hierarchal chart one embodiment of anillustrative sample of the types of data communications to which thepresent invention may be applied either singly or in any combination.

FIG. 15 illustrates by hierarchal chart of an alternative embodiment ofan application of the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates by hierarchal chart one embodiment of anillustrative application of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates by block diagram an alternative embodiment of anapplication of the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates by block diagram one alternative embodiment of theLED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 19 illustrates by block diagram one alternative embodiment of theLED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 20 illustrates by block diagram one alternative embodiment of theLED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 21 illustrates by block diagram one alternative embodiment of theLED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 22 illustrates by block diagram an alternative embodiment of a datapacket in accord with an embodiment of the LED light control assemblyand system.

FIG. 23 illustrates a wave form of a visible light emission from anactive and visually illuminated LED in accord with an alternativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a waveform of an invisible or barely perceptiblelight emission from an active and dark LED in accord with onealternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is an alternative block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 26 is an alternative block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 27 is an alternative block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 28 is an alternative block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 29 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 30 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 31 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 32 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 33 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cycle.

FIG. 34 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cycle.

FIG. 35 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 36 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 37 is an alternative waveform diagram of an alternative duty cyclefor the LED light control assembly and system.

FIG. 38 is an alternative block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED light control assembly and system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific alternative embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated. For the purposes of this disclosure,like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like featuresunless otherwise indicated.

In each of the embodiments discussed below, the LEDs 124, 2100 may beformed of the same or different colors. The LED's 124, 2100 are incommunication with a controller 20 which may be configured to select thecolor of the LEDs 124, 2100 to be illuminated forming the light signal.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED's 124, 2100 canboth emit and receive light. In such an embodiment, the LED's 124, 2100can act both as a transmitter or receiver. More information on suchbi-directional LEDs can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the entirecontents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, controlling of the relative power applied to eachone of the red, green, blue LEDs, 124, 2100 enables different colors oflight to be produced. This concept is well-known as the RGB model, andis used today in nearly all video displays. Color televisions andcomputer monitors, for example, incorporate very small red, green andblue (RGB) dots adjacent to each other. To produce white regions on thescreen, all three RGB dots are illuminated. Black dots are the result ofnone of the RGB dots being illuminated. Other colors are produced byilluminating one or more of the dots at different relative levels, oralternatively controlling how many closely adjacent dots of one primarycolor are fully illuminated relatively to the other two primary colors.

Through the use of RGB LEDs, the color temperature of an LED light panelor LED light fixture 10 may be adjusted or controlled, and may be variedin real time without making any hardware or apparatus changes. Instead,power applied to the RGB LEDs is adjusted to favor one or another of theRGB LEDs. Since the light emitted from the RGB LEDs is approximatelyfull-spectrum light, the color-rendering index may also be relativelyhigh, particularly when compared to mercury or sodium vapor lamps,making the light feel very natural.

A variety of physical and electrical configurations are contemplatedherein for LED light source 161. As illustrated in FIG. 2, light source161 may replace a standard fluorescent tube light fixture. This can beaccomplished by replacing the entire fixture, such that ballasts andother devices specific to fluorescent lighting are replaced.

In one embodiment, line voltage, such as 120 VAC at 60 Hertz as used inthe United States, may pass through the electrical connector pins. LEDbase 2050, in such case, may be designed to insert directly into astandard fluorescent socket, such as, for exemplary purposes only, andnot limited thereto, the standard T8 and T12 sockets used in the UnitedStates. In such case, either RGB LEDs 2100 are arranged and wired todirectly operate from line voltage, or appropriate electronics will needto be provided directly in LED base 2050 to provide necessary powerconversion. In yet another conceived alternative embodiment, powerconversion may be provided through switching-type or other powerconversion circuitry to alleviate the need for any rewiring, though inthese instances the power conversion circuitry will need to accommodatethe particular type of ballast already in place.

For LED light source 161 to replace an existing bulb, regardless oftype, and benefit from the many features enabled in the disclosedembodiments, communications circuitry must also be provided. Thiscommunications circuitry is necessary to properly illuminate each of thered, green and blue LEDs 2100 to desired color, to transport datathrough a optical communication channel.

Standard LED lights come in a variety of color temperatures, from ‘warm’yellows to ‘cool’ whites. In facilities such as hospitals and offices,color temperature may significantly affect mood and productivity, wheremaking a long-term commitment to a color temperature when converting toLED lighting may be a strong barrier to entry into LED lighting. In atleast one embodiment, the LED's within the VLEC system have adjustablecolor temperature. In some embodiments, the VLEC LED light fixtures 10may be programmed to mimic the changing color temperate of sunlight asthe day progresses or as the seasons progress throughout the year.

In some embodiments, a variety of physical and electrical configurationsare contemplated herein for LED light fixture 10 (FIG. 4). Light fixture10 may replace a standard fluorescent tube light fixture. The LED lightfixture 10 may be wired for any suitable or desired voltage, and where avoltage or current different from standard line voltage is used,transformers or power converters or power supplies may be provided. Whena building is either initially being constructed, or so thoroughlyremodeled to require replacement of wires, the voltage may be generatedin transformers which may be located outside of the occupied space, suchas on the roof, in a utility room, basement or attic.

In some embodiments, visible light communication may reduce or eliminatethe need for future or additional wiring within an existing or plannedfacility networks environment. Visible light communication may alsoaugment existing networks.

In some embodiments, each LED light fixture 10, LED dongle or key device12 (FIG. 3), and each control unit 16 (FIG. 6) includesprocessors/controllers 20, LED's 124, and photodetectors 14 to be incommunication with a pulsed light communication system. The pulsed lightcommunication system receives pulsed light signals and generates pulsedlight signals to communicate information as to the status of a LED lightfixture 10, dongle or key 12 or control unit 16. In some embodiments,each control unit 16 of a building system, such as a lighting system,heating system, security system, public address system, monitoringsystem, metering system, recording system, speaker system, elevatorsystem to name a few, either has an integral LED photodetector 14 and/orcontroller 20 and LED's 124 for pulsed light communication. Each controlunit 16 may be retro-fitted to include an LED communication device suchas a dongle or key device 12 to receive pulsed LED light communicationsignals from an LED light fixture 10, and to generate and communicateLED light signals for receipt by an LED light fixture 10 to provideinformation in response to a status request.

In some embodiments, each control unit (Charlie unit) 16 may includesensors, meters, controllers/processors 20, photodetectors 14, and LED's124 to receive and to generate pulsed light communication signals to afacility control unit 18. In some embodiments, each facility controlunit 18 may function to be electrically connected to, and incommunication with, motors, devices, servo motors, solenoids, or otherelectronic devices which are used to alter the status of a buildingsystem or system element 44 such as a door lock, a thermostat, a lightswitch, an elevator control, a speaker, a microphone, a monitor to namea few. It should be noted that the identified elements for the controlelements, building systems, system elements 44, or other identifiersherein are not intended to be exhaustive, and should be interpreted asexpansive and are not intended to be limiting as to the specificelements or types of elements as identified herein.

In some embodiments each of the LED light fixtures 10 may have acontroller 20 and photodetector 14 which allows pulsed lightcommunications with a client or electronic device 30 (FIG. 5). Theclient or electronic device 30, USB interface devices 12, may beattached to laptops or computers. The drivers for those devices may beinstalled on another type of electronic device 30 such as a tablet,smart phone, computer or other electronic device with or without the useof an application, or laptop or through an Ethernet connection.

In at least one embodiment the LED light fixtures 10 may be connected toa power unit 22 through an Ethernet plug. The Pro FTM signals, calledthe data, may be communicated over the same lines that are providingpower prior to transmission through pulsed light signals. Three modulesmay be provided which are used in decoding of information and/orcommunication signals. Decoding is occurring and overriding the powerline radio wave signals, the OFTM signals, and is communicated back intoan Ethernet standard computer format, which then is communicated throughLED pulsed light communication signals.

In some embodiments, modules on the LED light fixture 10 decode pulsedlight communications information. In some embodiments, the LED lightfixture 10 receives OFTM signals and converts the signals into anEthernet standard computer format which then may be injected down into afacility control unit 18.

In at least one embodiment each LED light fixture 10 will include one ormore cameras 36, speakers 40, or microphones 38 and any combinationthereof. In addition, in some embodiments a dongle device 12 willinclude a camera 36, microphone 38, or a speaker 40 or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, each light fixture control unit 16 ordongle device 12 may include voice activation and/or recognitionsoftware, facial recognition software and/or motion sensors or detectorswhich may be used to active one or more features on an LED light fixture10, or to an electronic device 30 engaged to a dongle device 12.

In some embodiments an individual may activate and initiate illuminationor pulsed light communications by movement proximate to an LED lightfixture 10 or dongle device 12. Movement relative to the position of theLED light fixture or dongle device 12, or by speaking to the LED lightfixture 10, or by speaking to the dongle device 12 or by facialrecognition motion recognition or gesture recognition may eitheractivate or deactivate illumination or pulsed light communication. Insome embodiments, the dongle devices 12 and/or the LED light fixture 10includes cameras in communication with facial recognition software,where illumination or pulsed light communications may be eitherinitiated or terminated by a facial gesture, eye movement, or movementof a head, or entry into a space, shaking of a head, or movement of ahand, arm, or other portion of a body, to name a few examples.

In some embodiments, an individual may initiate a communication such asa telephone call through the exclusive use of LED pulsed lightcommunications. In some embodiments, an individual may be able toinitiate a voice and/or video communication with another individual bylooking at an LED light fixture 10 or dongle device 12 and speakingterms such as “call John” where a real time voice, and/or voice andvisual communication may be initiated. In some embodiments, LED lightfixtures 10 may easily identify who is looking at the light fixture 10or who is looking at the proximity of the light fixture 10 where anindividual may issue a command through voice recognition. Because ofvoice or facial recognition an individual may be permitted to issue acommand as ““I would like to call my wife.” An individual may speak tothe light fixture 10 and the sensor will recognize the individual. Thecontrol server 26 or central processor may then establish a connectionto another individual. Communication may occur onto one PBX's or onto alandline so that a user could just say I need to speak with anotherindividual and the system will open a communication link. Communicationmay therefore be conducted over and through the use of the pulsed LEDlight communication signals, eliminating the need for a cell phone. Inat least one embodiment, the LED light fixtures 10 may be in electricalcommunication with a control server 26 which may include or be incommunication with a database of information to answer any inquiries ofa user. LED pulsed light communications may occur because each LED lightfixture 10 and/or electronic device 30 interfaced with a dongle device12 will include an identifier 24 (FIG. 8) which may include a deviceidentification number and/or may also include a location identifier,which may be active or static, where in one embodiment the locationidentifier includes GPS location information, an account or premisesnumber, and/or elevation information, unit numbers or another type oflocation or device identifier such as for example a numeric volumeinterfaced with a known database.

In some embodiments the identifier 24 may also include facility,environment, or type information which may be a character designatingfor example that the communication or data transfer is issuing from alocation or vehicle such as a building, boat or vessel, land vehicle,plane or satellite, or other device capable of identification.

In some embodiments, communications may occur through a control server26 which may include location identification routing capabilities sothat a pulsed light communication may be efficiently routed from anorigin address to a destination address through intermediate LED pulsedlight receiving and generation units or LED light fixtures 10. Thecontrol server 26 may also have route optimization analysis software aswell as LED pulsed light system usage software, so that optimalre-routing of a pulsed light communication signal may occur and ifnecessary may occur around a high volume traffic location or to divertaround an LED pulsed light receiving and generation unit or LED lightfixture 10 being replaced or serviced.

In at least one embodiment, the dongle device 12 includes, or is incommunication with, voice recognition software, voice activationsoftware, camera, facial recognition software, gesture recognitionsoftware, voice conversion software, motion recognition software andcommunication interface software, where an individual may activate anelectronic device 30 through the dongle device 12 and the electronicdevice 30 will receive processed information as received and detected bythe dongle device 12. The electronic device 30 then, as an option to auser, may re-transmit or re-communicate the original communication overwireless telephone as known. In this embodiment, an individual may use adongle device 12 as connected to an electronic device 30, where theindividual is located in an airplane during flight, or at some otherlocation where direct pulsed light communication is not available, andthe dongle device 12 may be used as the communication interface totransmit communication signals wirelessly, or through cellular telephonecommunications, microwave or otherwise, such as through atelecommunications satellite.

In at least one embodiment more or less than six of the 22″×36″ panellight fixtures 10 may be used in a structure. The light fixtures 10 maybe connected back to the power unit 22. The power units 22 can supportup to sixteen light fixtures 10 at a time. The power units 22 injectpower into the light fixtures 10 and the data leaving the power unit 22travels back through wires, to a power unit controller 28.

In at least one embodiment, a control unit 16 may be in communicationwith a computer and a user may hit a button to initiate transmission ofsecure information via pulsed light, to complete or to initiate acommunication transaction. An individual may transport a dongle or key12 for connection to an electronic device for activation of a button toinitiate transmission or communication via pulsed light.

In some embodiments, each LED light fixture 10 may also include adigital potentiometer.

In at least one embodiment, each LED light fixture 10 includes a lightsensor 32 which may be used to record illumination from an LED lightfixture 10 which in turn may be used to calculate data lumen hours(DLh).

In some embodiments, a room may include any number of LED light fixtures10. Each LED light fixture 10 may be operating the same, or have adifferent settings resulting in different operation. In at least oneembodiment, the data lumen hours or minutes for each LED light fixture10 may be recorded or regulated independently with respect to any otherLED light fixture 10. A composite amount of data lumen hours or minutesmay be calculated from the independent LED light fixtures 10 andcommunicated to a facility control unit 18 or a control server 26.

The dongle device 12 with the built in voice and/or facial recognitionsoftware in some embodiments, may function as security for theelectronic device 30 preventing activation until such time an authorizeduser's voice of facial features are recognized.

In some embodiments an individual recognized by a facility control unit18 or control server 26 could look at an LED light fixture 10 and speakthe words “call John Q” who is located at a remote location where “JohnQ” is recognized by another LED light fixture 10 or LED dongle device 12at the remote location. Transmissions may occur over broadband overpower line or pulsed light communication signals. Communications wouldbe available in any location which has LED light fixtures 10, or anelectronic device 30 having an LED dongle device 12 connected to anetwork integrated into an LED pulsed light communication system.

In at least one embodiment, a camera 36 is integral to at least one LEDlight fixture 10 in a room. The camera 36 is in electrical communicationwith a controller 20 comprising facial recognition software. The camera36 in conjunction with the facial recognition software and thecontroller 20 may include one or more preset customized environmentalsettings, such as temperature, heating, cooling, and/or lighting to namea few. For example, in at least one embodiment, a teacher/professorcould walk into a room where the teachers facial features were recordedby the camera 36, communicated to the controller 20, processed by thefacial recognition software, where the controller 20 in turn activates apreset environmental condition such as activating an LED light fixture10 disposed above the teacher/s/professors desk. The controller 20 maysimultaneously activate a fan to increase air circulation within aclassroom. At a later time, a student may enter the classroom and thecamera 36 will record the facial features of the student, communicatethe student's image to the controller 20 to process the facialrecognition, and the controller 20 in turn may activate a presetenvironmental condition such as activating an LED light fixture 10disposed over a student's desk to provide illumination and/or pulsedlight communications over the student's desk.

In some embodiments, the controller 20 may include lighting or otherenvironmental presets for activation in any combination of electronicdevices 30 upon the facial recognition of one or more individuals withinan area, where the camera 36 has recorded the image of the individual.In some embodiments, the controller 20 may be programmed to notactivate, deactivate, or issue an alarm if the camera 36 has recorded animage of an individual which is not recognized or authorized within acertain area or zone. In some embodiments, only one LED light fixture 10in an area includes a camera 36 and in other embodiments, each or anycombination of LED light fixtures 10 includes a camera 36.

In at least one embodiment, the camera 36 on the LED light fixtures 10which in turn are in communication with the controller 20, willrecognize the departure or exit of a student or teacher from aclassroom, and will issue a deactivation command to turn an LED lightfixture 10 off above a student's desk. The detection of the absence of ateacher or student may also be accomplished through the processing ofimages from the camera 36 by the facial recognition software. It shouldbe understood that the use of the camera 36 and facial recognitionprocessing for customization and/or regulation of an environment is notrestricted to schools and may be utilized in any area, home, business,or government facility without limitation and the types of uses are notrestricted to the embodiments disclosed.

In other embodiments, the LED light fixtures 10 may be in communicationwith a control or system server 26 having access to databases ofinformation. In this embodiment, and individual may verbally ask an LEDlight fixture 10 or dongle device 12 a question which is processed withvoice recognition and converted into electrical signals recognizable bya computing device where a response to the verbal inquiry will beprovided through the microphone 38 on the LED light fixture 10 or LEDdongle device 12.

In some embodiments, the pulsed light communication system incommunication with a control server 26 has established a user profile.Identification of the current user profile occurs through facialrecognition and/or voice recognition software through the LED lightfixture 10. The control server 26 based on the user profile may generatea communication through the LED light fixture 10 and initiate acommunication through a speaker 40 such as “John Q your flight has beendelayed” or “John Q you have an appointment in 10 minutes.”

In at least one embodiment, a variation of an eight conductor cable, orcategory six cable, would provide two channels which would vary thevoltage to the light emitting diodes 124, 2100 effecting the pulsedlight output to accomplish embedded pulsed light communication. Pulsedlight communication is a very effective way of managing the intensitylevels for the pulsed light output used in communication, whilesimultaneously providing 100% communication capabilities.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment 110 of an LED light andcommunication system. FIG. 1 shows a server PC 112 connected via a USBcable 114 to a server optical transceiver (XCVR) 116, and a client PC118 connected via a USB cable 120 to a client optical transceiver 122.The server PC 112 is in communication with a network 123 via a CAT-5cable, for example. The server optical XCVR 116 and the client opticalXCVR 122 are substantially similar in at least one embodiment. Anexemplary optical XCVR (or, simply, “XCVR”) circuit includes one or moreLEDs 124 for transmission of light and one or more photodetectors 126for receiving transmitted light. LEDs and photodetectors are well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art and, as such, their specificoperation will not be described in detail. The term “photodetector”includes “photodiodes” and all other devices capable of converting lightinto current or voltage. The terms photodetector and photodiode are usedinterchangeably hereafter. The use of the term photodiode is notintended to restrict embodiments of the invention from using alternativephotodetectors that are not specifically mentioned herein.

In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an RS232 to USBconversion module. The transmit pin on the USB conversion module drivesthe driver electronics for the LEDs. In some embodiments, the XCVRcircuit includes high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments it may bedesirable to use high intensity LEDs to enhance lighting, to improvedata transmission, or both. In at least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC, 3amp power supply is sufficient for powering an array of high intensityLEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an amplifier foramplifying the optical signal received by the photodiode. The output ofthe amplifier may be fed into level shifting circuitry to raise thesignal to TTL levels, for example. The signal may then be fed into thereceive pin of the RS232 to USB module.

In some embodiments, a 9V battery may be used to power the amplifiercircuitry. Significant noise is generated by switching high brightnessLEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for example. Powering theamplifier with a battery may reduce these noise problems by reducing orremoving transients.

In at least one embodiment, the optical XCVRs, or circuitry attachedthereto, include modulation circuitry for modulating a carrier signalwith the optical signal. Modulation can be used to eliminate biasconditions caused by sunlight or other interfering light sources.Digital modulation can be accomplished by using phase-shift keying,amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, quadrature modulation,data compression, data decompression, up converting, down converting,coding, interleaving, pulse shaping or any other digital modulationcommunication and/or signal processing techniques known by those ofordinary skill. Similarly, such XCVRs can include demodulation circuitrythat extracts the data from the received signal. Modulation anddemodulation techniques for modulating light signals are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,732,310, 5,245,681, and 6,137,613, the entire contentsof each being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the use of XCVRs as light sources can reduce energyconsumption and simplify communications by reducing the filtering ormodulation complexities necessary to distinguish data signals fromextraneous lighting sources.

Some embodiments of an LED XCVR light fixture may include any or all ofthe following devices: a microphone 172, a speaker 174, a rechargeablebattery 176, and a video camera or camera 178, as shown in thesimplified block diagram of FIG. 12. In at least one embodiment, themicrophone 172 is in communication with an analog-to-digital converter(ADC)(not shown) for converting the analog speech input to a digitalsignal. An amplifier circuit 180 can be used to boost the microphonesignal. The signal can be amplified prior to or after the ADC. In someembodiments, the speaker is communication with a digital-to-analogconverter (DAC)(not shown) for converting the received digital signal toan analog output. An amplifier circuit 182 can be used to boost thespeaker signal. The signal may be amplified prior to or after the DAC.

The processor 184 shown in FIG. 12 converts the digital signals from themicrophone/amplifier to data packets that may be used for transmissionby the optical XCVR 116. Similarly, the processor 184 converts the datapackets received by the optical XCVR 116 to audio out signals directedto the speaker 174. The processor 184 can convert data packets receivedfrom or directed to the video camera 178.

Furthermore, the optical XCVR 116 may include non-volatile memory(FLASHRAM, EEPROM, and EPROM, for example) that may store firmware forthe optical XCVR 116, as well as text information, audio signals, videosignals, contact information for other users, etc., as is common withcurrent cell phones. In some alternative embodiments, a hard-drive maybe used instead of these semiconductor-based memory devices.

The optical XCVR 116 may include one or more photodetectors 126 forreceiving transmitted LED or other light signals, and one or more LEDs124 for transmitting LED signals, as shown in FIG. 12. In someembodiments, an optical signal amplifier 186 is in communication withthe photodetectors 126 to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver 188, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

In some embodiments, an optical XCVR 116 may include circuitry thatperforms modulation, demodulation, data compression, data decompression,up converting, down converting, coding, interleaving, pulse shaping, andother communication and signal processing techniques, as are known bythose of ordinary skill in the art.

In at least one embodiment, each and every optical XCVR 116 is embeddedwith a unique code, similar in principle to the MAC address of acomputer, for example. The optical XCVR 116 broadcasts the unique codeat regular intervals, at irregular intervals or with each transmitteddata packet if desired. Optical XCVRs located within the user's buildingand near the user may then receive the unique code transmitted byanother optical XCVR 116 or dongle or key device 12.

There are numerous applications of such a design. For example, in someembodiments, an optical XCVR 116 may be engaged to a door lock. When auser with an optical XCVR name tag approaches a locked door, the nametag may broadcast the unique code, and an optical XCVR in communicationwith the door lock may receive the code, and if acceptable, unlock oropen the door. A table of acceptable codes may be stored in a memorydevice that is in communication with, and accessible by, the door'soptical XCVR. Alternatively, the door's optical XCVR may transmit a codeto a facility control unit 18 which compares the user's code against atable of approved codes and then sends a response either allowing ordenying access.

As stated above, the LEDs may be bi-directional. In at least oneembodiment, the optical XCVR 116 is comprised of bi-directional LEDs. Insuch an embodiment, the optical XCVR 116 is constructed and arrangedsuch that at least one of the bi-directional LEDs allows paralleltransmitting and receiving of light signals.

Within the disclosure provided herein, the term “processor” refers to aprocessor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, mainframecomputer or server, or any other device that can execute instructions,perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and write to memory,interface with peripheral devices, etc.

In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier 186 is in communicationwith the photodiodes 126 to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver 188, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

In some embodiments, optical XCVRs may be placed in numerous locationsas lighting sources. In some embodiments, an XCVR as integral to aceiling mounted or other type of light fixture may in turn be in directcommunication with a computer, processor, microprocessor, mainframecomputer or server, and/or other computing device as earlier describedthrough the use of wire, cable, optically via pulsed lightcommunication, over a Broad Band Power Line system or over any othertype of communication system.

In one embodiment a series of XCVRs are in communication with the systemprocessor, mainframe computer or server, through sequential transmissionand receipt of pulsed light communication signals. In one embodiment theseries of XCVRs are in communication with the system processor,mainframe computer or server, through the Broad Band Over Power LineCommunication System. In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are incommunication with the system processor, mainframe computer or serverthrough the use of cable, wire, or other communication media.

In one embodiment the communication system including the XCVR may beincorporated into a hand held or portable unit. In other embodiments thecommunication system may be incorporated into a device such as acellular telephone.

In accord with at least one embodiment of the invention, LEDs 124, 2100are used to transmit through an optical communication channel severalkinds of data, including identity, location, audio and videoinformation. The use of an optical communication link provides largeavailable bandwidth, which in turn permits multiple feeds of personalcommunication between LED light sources and dongles or keys 12 similarto or in excess of that of cell phones. The optical data is transferredat rates far in excess of those detectable by the human eye, and so aperson is not able to detect any visible changes as the data is beingtransferred. Additionally, because optical illumination is constrainedby opaque objects such as walls, the location of an access dongle or key12 and associated person can be restricted to a particular room, hallwayor other similar space.

Prior art GPS systems and cell phone triangulation techniques aretypically only accurate to one or several hundred feet. Horizontally,this prior art precision is adequate for many applications. However,vertically several hundred feet could encompass twenty floors in anoffice or apartment building. In some embodiments, an opticaltransceiver is capable of precision to a room or LED room light fixture10, for improved location identification than otherwise previouslyavailable.

It is anticipated that each transmission of a communication pulsed lightsignal will include a code/identifier 24 representative of theoriginating XCVR 116. Optionally additional intermediate XCVRs may add acommunication pulsed light signal code or identifier 24.

In one embodiment, a control server 26 may initiate an inquiry to locatethe identification code 24 corresponding to an optical XCVR 116. In thisembodiment, the control server 26 would transmit a signal outwardlythrough the optically connected XCVRs 116 to request identification of aparticular XCVR identification code 24. In one embodiment the inquirymay be global, or may be limited to specific periods of time or otherspecific conditions such as location. In one embodiment each individualXCVR 116 upon receipt of the command inquiry may forward by pulsed lightsignals the identification codes 24 of all XCVRs within a particularlocation, because identity codes 24 are being continuously transmittedby each optical XCVR.

In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, building lighting may be modulated with time and date stampsor the like. In some embodiments, video recordings made within a systemusing modulated illumination will have an optical watermarkautomatically embedded therein. The embedding of such identifiablesignals ensures the integrity of video recordings made under theselights.

If audio and/or video is additionally enabled, either through opticalXCVR communications badges or separate optical XCVR wall or ceilingmounted devices, the video can be used to capture the last-knownconditions of a user or an area. Today's satellite navigated GlobalPositioning are augmented with the use of a Global Positioning SystemRouting System (GPSRS). The burden on GPS satellites may be reduced byembedding unique identifier information 24 and pre-documented exactlocation of an entity or asset. The unique GPSRS identifier 24 may beincorporated into LED light fixtures 10 or fixture controllers 42,switches 624, facility control units 18, remote servers, power supplies22, control servers 26 or any other electrical device 30 which may be ina communication chain for communication of information, data packets, orcommands or other types of communication or information transfer. ThisGPS-based location may then improve location-based services by providingreal time location identification. Today's satellites update a locationevery 3 seconds. The information about the location of an entity orasset is always referenced back to a remote reference table. Currentlocation measurements using satellites also require 3 or 4 satellites toimprove the triangulation methods needed for locating a place or entity.

Location based services within a VLEC infrastructure will have the addedadvantage of improved and secure content. Personal Navigation deviceswill have the added advantage of providing improved coordination andcollaboration methods by providing an increase in friend to friendlocation services. A friend to friend location services is an optionalservice whereby a personal list of friends or family members equippedwith VLEC technology GPSRS devices can be created in a database and thatdatabase is managed by the group participants. When needed participantsutilize a Visible Light Embedded Communication (VLEC) GPSRS clientdevice that associates with a VLEC host and then with a connectionthrough a controller 20 that connects or interfaces over BPL to theInternet. The information/communication will then traverse the Internetand arrive at the predetermined location based on a designedcollaboration (containing all Internet protocol addresses subnets andports designed for this purpose) by the friends involved to create thisnetwork. A control server 26 may contain reference, relationship,awareness or look-up tables and establish in a millionth of a second,the location of the entity they are seeking. This information is thenembedded or encapsulated into the data stream and transceived throughoutthe Internet 46. Today's cumbersome RF calculations require algorithmicmath computations that are constantly changing and therefore reduce theaccuracy of locating the device in real-time. A reference back to theprevious or last known location requires constant updates. Couple thiswith the inherent latency's of today's devices and effectiveness isreduced. Based on RF applications, there may be a need to measure theRSSI (radio signal strength indicator) and relate this information toanother calculation table before probable table coordinates may beapplied in order to perform a triangulation calculation of the clientdevice. The RF Location based services rely heavily on assisted GPStechnology. This technology is very taxing and expensive on computers,and contributes to a poor economy of scale approach for businesses.GPSRS will embed location information which in turn facilitates ease ofuse.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system will incorporate GPSRS technology.Currently, Internet protocol (IP) security allows an individual toaccess infrastructural systems from anywhere in the world. In someembodiments, the VLEC system is incredibly secure requiring appropriatepasswords or necessary equipment thereby preventing ‘faking’ identitiesand gaining unauthorized access to IP protected systems.

In some embodiments, each control element, switch, activation device,keypad, button, dial, photodetector, LED lighting element, a dongle orkey device, sensor, monitor, or other devices used to establishcommunication within a pulsed light communication system may include aunique location identifier 24 such as GPSRS. In some embodiments, notall of the control elements are required to include LED communicationdevices, and some control elements will be in direct communication witha control server 26 via wires. In alternative embodiments, a controlelement may be wired, where the wire extends to an intermediate pulsedlight communication hub. The intermediate pulsed light communication hubmay include a unique location identifier 24, controller 20,photodetector(s) 14 and LED's and is adapted to receive pulsed lightcommunication signals and to process the received pulsed lightcommunication signals into electrical signals to be passed over the wireto a particular control element which may be used to change the statusof another control element.

In some embodiments, each LED light fixture 10, LED dongle or key device12, and each control element includes a specific location identifier 24which may be similar to the GPSRS location address, or an alpha-numeric,or numeric identifier as assigned to the control element to preciselylocate the control element relative to the map, diagram, drawings,image, model and/or blueprint of a structure as included within afacility control unit 18.

FIG. 13 illustrates a simplified block schematic diagram of anelectrical circuit used to couple power and data to one or a pluralityof LED light sources 161. Power, which may be either AC or DC current iscoupled through a power line bridge 150 with data from a network cableinput, for example. The source of the data may include various computeroutputs such as control processor output or network connections such ascommonly found on Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN) orthrough the Internet. In accord with one embodiment, the wiring betweenpower line bridge 150 and LED light source 161 is shielded by passingthrough a conduit or the like, defining a ShieldedBroadband-over-Power-Line (S-BPL) connection that is both resistant tointerfering communications and also produces almost no radiant energy.

In at least one embodiment, a Visible Light Embedded Communications(VLEC) apparatus, network, and/or system is disclosed. In oneembodiment, a VLEC Light Emitting Diode (LED) light fixture 10 iscoupled to an electronic device 30 through an optical communicationschannel.

In some embodiments, an optical transmitter and receiver are providedand enable communication over optical communications channel. Amicrophone 38, loudspeaker 40, microphone and speaker combination, ordual-purpose device may be provided to integrate an auditorycommunication channel between an LED light fixture 10 and nearbyindividuals or other animate or inanimate objects. A video camera 36 maybe incorporated to capture video or still pictures.

In at least one embodiment, VLEC light panel includes a plurality ofLEDs and optical detectors. One or more optical detectors may beprovided, and may either be broad spectrum detectors or alternativelycolor-filtered or sensitive to only a single color.

In some embodiments, more than one client is potentially coupled througha common host, and is potentially using the same communications channelas another client. When this occurs multiplexing or networkcommunications techniques may be implemented. Among these, but certainlynot limited thereto, are such techniques as static or dynamic assignmentof unique communications channels, or Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM)of a single channel with appropriate conflict resolution.

Communication may further be shared with optically-enabled telephones,television, music, internet, public address, computing devices of allsorts, ranging from hand-held devices such as Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs), to massive mainframe computers, and includingPersonal Computers (PCs), printers, network storage devices, buildingmaintenance wiring such as thermostats, HVAC systems, fire alarms,motion detectors, and any other electrical or electronic apparatusexisting or appearing within a room or space, other security and safetydevices, appliances, manufacturing machinery, and so forth. Essentially,any device which incorporates or can be made to incorporate sufficientelectronic circuitry may communicate with a VLEC host to exchangeinformation at any time. Advantageously, many different conditions ordevices may be simultaneously monitored and/or controlled when they arebroadcasting information through the preferred network, because they areoperating on a wide-bandwidth optical link. This information can be usedanywhere on the network, which includes other rooms or a central orcontrol server 26.

In accord with one embodiment of the invention, LEDs are used totransmit through optical communication channel several kinds of data,including identity, location, audio and video information. The use of anoptical communications link provides large available bandwidth, which inturn permits multiple feeds of personal communication between LED lightfixtures 10 and other devices or clients in bandwidths similar to or inexcess of that of cell phones.

In some embodiments, an ultra wide band or low duty cycle lighting BPL:back bone is generally identified by reference numeral 400. In someembodiments, the VLEC host fixtures and clients will each be assigned aunique Machine Access Code and Electronic Serial Number. The MachineAccess Codes and Electronic Serial Numbers will be assigned by thecertified manufacturer's facility and matched against a uniquerelationship table residing on various certified control servers 26. Theclient devices 30 may then move about a LAN, an entire office building,a WAN or other network and achieve maximum throughput rates similar tothat of the location they originated. An added benefit of the preferredvisible light embedded communications comprised by opticalcommunications channel is that, with increased bandwidth, back endsoftware for synchronizing data on PDAs and other mobile devices may beimproved by almost 5 fold over RF applications as the transport mediums,changing the communications channel bottleneck from RF.

FIG. 14 illustrates many different types of exemplary communicationsthat may be provided incorporating the VLEC technology of one embodimentof the invention. Access to the World Wide Web will be enabled throughnetwork access 510 to allow users the benefit of web surfing. VLECtechnology allows this access to be untethered and nomadic, even thoughbeyond a building or space the network access 510 may be further coupledusing conventional cable 512, Internet Service Provider (ISP) 514 linkssuch as satellite or dial-up, DSL 516, or other suitable link 518. AVcommunications 520 may include various device interface applications 530such as appliance communications or manipulation 532 and automatedmanufacturing 534. HDTV 540 is further contemplated, including mobileHDTV 542, mobile gaming 544 and interactive TV 546, but other types ofvideo are additionally contemplated herein, including Slow-Scan TV(SSTV) or other known systems for capturing video information.Telecommunications and personal communications may further be enabled,for exemplary purposes using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) 550 andmobile voice 552. Other A/V applications are generically identified at560. In another contemplated communications category, tracking data 570may be gathered and used based upon the unique addresses assigned toVLEC host fixtures. The tracking information may be used for energymanagement 572, Global Positioning Satellite Routing Systems (GPSRS)574, security 576, and other tracking applications 578. Whilecommunications are conceived as occurring between a plurality of hostsand clients simultaneously, in many instances one client will only becoupling one data stream at a time with a host. To better illustratethis, FIGS. 15-17 illustrate examples of single data category exchangesthat might occur between a host and client.

In one embodiment, FIG. 18 illustrates one possible configuration ofnetwork related components in combination with one possibleconfiguration of VLEC related components. As illustrated therein, theInternet 510 may be accessed through a router 502, which might, forexemplary purposes, be coupled through a hardware or software firewall504 to a standard office LAN and switch 506. While not illustrated,firewall 504 may also optionally be provided between router 502 and BPLinterface 400. From BPL interface 400, a plurality of VLEC hosts 200 maybe provided, each directly coupled to BPL interface 400. In contrast,FIG. 19 illustrates a plurality of VLEC hosts 200, only one which isdirectly wired to BPL interface 400, the remainder relying uponoptical-to-optical communications between VLEC hosts 200. In otherwords, in one embodiment, directly wiring each VLEC host 200 to BPLinterface 400 may occur, but where desirable providing wireless VLECcommunications between VLEC hosts 200 may occur, such that acommunication from a client may pass through one or moreoptical-to-optical links before being coupled into a wired link.

Even in spaces not separated by physical objects, programmable signalresponse timing methods may create broadcast ranging in VLECtransmissions such that communication between a VLEC enabled apparatusmay only occur at specified distances. In addition, because of higherachievable transmission rates, security will be further improved as moreadvanced encryption systems may be encoded into a VLEC wirelesstransmissions.

In some embodiments, the use BPL by the VLEC system may enable moreadvanced telecommunication and broadband services. For example, thehurdles of the “Last Mile” could potentially be avoided by transmittingdata signals over a utility company's infrastructure in tandem withexisting fiber optic network transport. Combined with the internaldistribution of VLEC light fixtures throughout a building, the VLECsystem may provide unlimited data hot spots without the latency causedby traditional physical limitations. Within a ubiquitous networkenvironment using a VLEC system, customers may enjoy higher data speedsand security throughout an entire facility. In some embodiments, a VLECsystem may be integrated with VoIP telephone services.

In some embodiments, a VLEC system may communicate data at a rate of 3Mbps. In some embodiments, a VLEC system may reduce lighting energyconsumption in a commercial building by 50%-90%.

In at least one embodiment, the VLEC system provides at least two majorservices, communication and lighting, for one cost. The VLEC systemprovides networking capabilities as well as continued monitoring andmaintenance of VLEC light fixtures and communication system wherelighting maintenance and related operational costs are provided by theVLEC lighting fixture owners. In some embodiments, such operationalcosts include: electrical consumption; lamp replacement and disposal;ballast replacement; lens replacement and cleaning; costs associatedwith requisition and employee distractions or interruptions; paperworkfor purchase and defective returns as well as paperwork and operationalcosts for shipping, receiving, and distribution.

In some embodiments, a VLEC system and VLEC light fixture will include acamera, microphone, speaker, and sensory equipment integration. Camerasand other integrated devices may be used as environment sensors,detecting human traffic or ambient light, such as sunlight. In someembodiments, the camera, microphone, speaker and/or sensory equipmentmay reduce lighting energy consumption when a room is unoccupied or whenambient light conditions allow for reduced indoor lighting intensity.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system may include facial recognitionsoftware (together with camera, microphone, and speaker technology)which may be incorporated into a VLEC light fixture, where calls may bemade directly to the VLEC light fixture under which a person isstanding. The person being called will communicate back by simplyspeaking near the light fixture. Such a system could eliminate the needto broadcast messages to an entire facility to ensure that the personbeing paged is reached. In some embodiments, the VLEC system may includeother biometric recognition software such as voice recognition software,retinal scanner software, finger print or other digit or palmrecognition software to name a few.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system also provides IT Savings, AirConditioning Savings, Wireless Security, Network Service Dependability,Environmental Stewardship, and Energy Mandate Compliances.

In some embodiments, the coupling of the VLEC system with a BPL networkwill provide integrated networks using BPL technology to enable thephysical deployment of increased and enhanced security services, such asproviding VLEC light fixtures enabled with surveillance technology.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system will incorporate an analogcommunication scheme (i.e. OFDM signaling) as well as integrated carriersignal technology. In some alternative embodiments code spreadingmodulation may be used which may be similar in operation to GPSBandwidth sharing which may also be used. In some embodiments anindividual may contrast code spreading modulation to frequency spreadingmodulation to optimize performance considerations. In alternativeembodiments, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and/orOrthogonal Signal Division Multiplexing (OSDM) and/or a direct logicdigital circuit or direct logic circuitry field programmable gate arraymay be used to optimize performance considerations. Further the VLECsystem will incorporate global positioning system routing service(GPSRS) capabilities and remote access management for integration withutility companies. Further, every electrical component forming the VLECsystem or communication with the VLEC system will incorporate a globalpositioning system routing service (GPSRS) identifier and GPSRSrecognition capabilities and remote access management for integrationwith utility companies or other communication or data/informationsystems.

In some embodiments, VLEC light fixtures may be installed throughout anentire building space and offer comprehensive lighting and communicationservices based on a digital communication scheme. With thiscommunication scheme, each VLEC light fixture may support networking andcommunication capabilities for one or more computing devices, such aslaptop computers. If twelve VLEC light fixtures are installed in a room,then twelve laptops or other VLEC system enabled devices, such asnetworked printers or telephones, may access the VLEC system networkusing the VLEC light fixtures.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system will incorporate an analogcommunication scheme, such as an Orthogonal Frequency-DivisionMultiplexing (OFMD) enabled communication scheme. With OFDM technology,each VLEC light fixture will support several computing devicessimultaneously, as each LED in an VLEC light fixture becomes its own,independent communication point, capable of transmitting hundreds ofcommunication channels simultaneously. Therefore, each VLEC lightfixture will be capable of supporting a virtually unlimited number ofcomputing devices.

In addition, by tuning the components in BPL circuitry, the VLEC systemmay accommodate the conversion of OFDM signals into light signals withvery limited hardware.

In some embodiments, VLEC light fixtures may communicate with acomputing device in a line-of-sight configuration. With the integrationof carrier signal technology, VLEC light fixtures may be capable ofcommunicating using a non-line-of-sight configuration. Being under aVLEC light fixture will not be a prerequisite to communicating throughthe VLEC system network. In at least one embodiment, communicationthrough the VLEC system will be possible using reflected or ambient LEDlight signals.

In some embodiments, as a packet of information travels from its sourcedestination to its final destination, it is continually evaluated byeach communication node (VLEC light fixture or other GPSRS enablednetwork device) through which it passes. Each communication nodeinterrogates the packet of information to discover the packet's lastknown destinations and its intended final destination, and checks thatinformation against its current location and intended subsequentlocation to determine if any discrepancies exist. In addition, eachcommunication node interrogates the packet of information to discoverthe time of the transmission and/or receipt from the packet's last knowndestinations to verify or determine if any timing or delay discrepanciesexist during the communication or over the communication route. Eachdata packet is therefore subjected to continual and ongoingauthentication by each communication node (VLEC light fixture or otherGPSRS enabled network device) through which it passes. If nodiscrepancies are identified then the packet is tagged with uniqueidentifier information from the interrogating communication node andsent to the next node along its path, where it is again evaluated usingthe information from the previous node and those preceding it. If adiscrepancy exists, the packet cannot proceed within the VLEC system.This procedure establishes security for the data packet in real time andreal space.

In accord with one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 20, thewiring 410 between S-BPL interface 401 and LED light panels 200 isshielded by passing through a conduit 411 or the like and anyappropriate junction boxes 412, defining a ShieldedBroadband-over-Power-Line (S-BPL) connection that is both resistant tointerfering communications and also produces almost no radiant energy.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 20 the VLEC system has the capacityto provide low power communications for energy management, emergencyback-up, security and special applications utilizing alternative powersources such as batteries 404 or solar cells. Since each individual LEDlight panel 200 may be separately controlled, unnecessary lights may beextinguished in an emergency or during periods of nonuse. In someembodiments, the remaining lights may also or alternatively be used tomaintain nominal communications channels within the building. Thesignals in such instance may be unable to be carried through powerlines, and so may alternatively be implemented through anoptical-to-optical repeater function from one light to the next such asdescribed with reference to FIG. 19, to travel entirely through a chainof LED light panels 200. Additional Emergency Lighting Devices (ELD) 230may also be controlled by a suitably designed battery back-up,controller, rectifier and inverter module 403.

Relatively recently, artisans have also proposed using so-called E-linesfor extremely high bandwidth, low attenuation transmission. Suchtransmission schemes are, for exemplary purposes, proposed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,104,107 and 7,009,471, the entire contents of each beingexpressly incorporated herein by reference. While the present inventionis fully operational using known or well-established transmissiontechniques and resulting bandwidths, and so is completely independent ofwhether these E-line transmission techniques work and are applicable ornot to the present invention, the present invention further contemplatesimprovements to bandwidth using useful and functional transmissiontechniques and the incorporation of the same where operationallysuitable.

FIG. 21 illustrates that a Visible Light Embedded Coded (VLEC) Systemfeatures can include the responsibility for the validation of clientdevices by means of recognizing the client, then verifying the clientagainst a small integrated relational look-up table. If the clientdevice is foreign to the VLEC fixture, a verification request is thensent to a certified and redundant host core recognition service outsidethe network. This is similar to today's telecommunications networks. Theclient devices can be activated and de-activated by many forms. One suchway involves 2 steps.

Step one is to power on the device. Step two is when the device must beauthenticated and validated by the host look-up tables, which willprovide permission levels depending on the requirements. The result ofan unauthorized device will activate several processes. One, deactivatethe client or host device. The second is to relay real-time locationinformation about the device to the proper authorities.

An S-BPL transceiver 200 may be provided to receive and transmit datafrom/to the S-BPL enabled electrical circuit. The particular interfaceimplemented may vary. Currently a number of existing interfaces could beused, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, Media IndependentInterface (MII), etc, and the particular choice of interface couldfurther depend on the S-BPL transceiver used, as will be apparent tothose skilled in the art.

A Digital Signal Processor or the like 231 is provided for programcontrol that can transmit/receive data to/from BPL communication networkthrough transceiver 200. The Digital Signal Processor 231 in anembodiment may respond to commands received on a network through S-BPLcoupling 240 to manipulate enable circuitry 204, and may also issuecommands or send data to network if needed. If the transmit portion ofenable circuitry 204 is enabled, these commands/data will also be passedto the optical link.

Enable circuitry 204, may in one embodiment be enabled to turn on or offthe LED optical transmitter 250, as well as change the characteristicsof the light, such as brightness and even color mix when multicolor LEDsare used. The Digital Signal Processor circuitry 231 may also manipulatethe ability for BPL or any other medium transport known arts ofcommunication network, to send and/or receive data to or from anotheradjacent optical link. This feature would provide the ability for theVLEC host to act as a client as well.

Driver circuitry 250 and LED(s) 210-214 will pass any signals to anyoptical link for other devices designed to communicate. Driver circuitry250 may, in one embodiment, simply be appropriate buffering, isolation,modulation or amplification circuitry which will provide appropriatevoltage and power to adequately drive LED emitter 210-214 into producinga visible light transmission. Exemplary of common driver circuits areoperational amplifiers (Op-amps), transistor amplifiers and gates andNAND gates, though those skilled in the art of signal conditioning willrecognize many of the optional circuits and components which mightoptionally be used in conjunction with the present invention. Also, itis desirable to use a modulation scheme with the signal so as to providethe intended design of duality as a general lighting fixture. Thetransmit circuitry may have to provide a means of modulation in thiscase, also preferably incorporated into driver circuitry 250. The typeof modulation will be decided using known considerations at the time ofdesign, selected for exemplary purposes from FM, AM, PPM, PDM, PWM,OFDM, and other derivatives of QAM schemes in the known arts.

Similar to but preferably complementary with the transmission circuitry,receiver circuitry 222 receives data from the optical link detected byphoto sensor 220. Receiver circuitry 222 will appropriately amplify, andmay further convert a data bearing electrical signal into Binary orDigital pulses. As but one example of such conversion, demodulatecircuitry 228 may additionally demodulate a data bearing electricalsignal, if the data stream has been modulated by an optical host. Asuitable sampling circuitry 226 and discriminator 224 will condition thedata bearing electrical signal to yield appropriate and pre-determinedinformation as a received data signal. The data bearing electricalsignal is then demodulated and passed onto the DSP circuitry. From herethe signal will contain protocol and payload packets that will propagateback onto the BPL Medium infrastructure via known art applications.

FIG. 22 illustrates a sample data packet 260 that might for exemplarypurposes be used to communicate data through a preferred VLEC apparatus.Data packet 260 might include a CTS (Clear To Send) header 261, followedby validation 262. The main data content will be carried within payload263, followed by a destination identifier 264, acknowledge 265, andpacket verify 266.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate different VLEC pulsing schemes 270 and 280,respectively, depending upon desired visible illumination levels. FIG.23 illustrates a series of pulses 271-276 which, if averaged, aregenerally illuminating an LED through more time than not. The human eyeproduces a chemical process that averages the amount of light throughtime to provide descriptive visions interpreted by the brain. Withenough pulses of long enough duty cycle, the human eye will discernillumination. The level of illumination can be controlled by amplitudeor duty cycle variations, as may be preferred, and selected in such away as to not interfere with a particular data modulation scheme.

In contrast to VLEC pulsing scheme 270, the ultra-low duty-cyclelighting communications pulsing scheme 280 of FIG. 24 intentionallyreduces the duration of each pulse 281, 282 relative to the duration 283between pulses. This in turn substantially reduces the duty-cycle, andcan be used to dim or visibly extinguish an LED, while still providingcommunications through the LED. When extinguished, the duration of apulse is shortened just enough to provide space for valuable informationand the time between pulses are extended adequately to be undetectableby the human eye.

Ultra low duty cycle lighting technology can work positively bycontinuing to provide critical data to networks and people. With theappearance of being turned off, the lighting network can continue tocommunicate information. A second valuable trait is the very low energyconsumption of this technology. This can be useful in a power outage,and so might preferably be implemented in combination with the apparatusof FIG. 20. The ability to communicate information in dark rooms isfurther beneficial as part of a energy conservation effort, since lessenergy is being used for illumination. Further, if the unauthorizedperson brings a portable illumination source such as a flashlight,optical detector 220 may detect the additional illumination and signalunauthorized presence.

While the foregoing discussions reference the illumination of a singleLED or RGB LED, further contemplated herein is the separate control of alarge number of LEDs. In such case, where full illumination is desired,several LEDs may be providing illumination, while a separate LED handlescommunications. Likewise, in the case of an ultra-low duty cycle demand,communications may be divided among a plurality of LEDs, therebyreducing the on-time percentage required within any individual LED,thereby permitting more data to be transferred without perceptiblyincreasing the illumination level from an individual LED.

Building management in accord with another embodiment of the inventionfurther includes automated secured access control to apparatus such asdoors, drawers, electronic computer operations, thermostats, and anyother devices that may be electronically controlled. By means of LEDcommunication, the location of unauthorized devices as well as personscan be tracked or polled by the LED communication system or VLEC system602. Doors, either locked or unlocked, can be manipulated in response tothe location or movement of devices or persons in communication with theLED communication system.

In some embodiments, remote access management (RAM) software 600 willallow accurate monitoring and control of individual VLEC light fixtures10 from a centralized computing location within a VLEC system 602equipped building. With the remote access management 600 the VLEC lightfixtures 10 may be programmed to turn on/off during specific times ofthe day, increase/decrease in brightness or compensate for lightingconditions occurring within daylight hours. With these features, abuilding owner employing the VLEC system 602 may more accurately monitorand manage energy lighting consumption in a building.

In at least one embodiment, a user of a VLEC system 602 may remotelycontrol the lighting and communication environment in a building throughautomated management features. For example, RAM 600 controlled VLEClighting will have the ability to actively respond to activity within abuilding, such as human traffic. With daylight harvesting, RAM 600 mayprogram VLEC light fixtures 10 to automatically reduce lumen output whensunlight is present in a room.

In some embodiments, RAM 600 will broaden the scope of VLEC system 602services to include other security and communication features, such ascentralized visual surveillance 604 incorporating security cameras 36installed on the VLEC light fixtures 10. Incorporating intercom andfacial recognition into such a VLEC system 602 may enhance securitywithin a facility as well as providing intercom announcements directlyto an individual within a VLEC system enabled environment.

In some embodiments, the provision of Remote Access Management 600,within a VLEC system 602 may allow local power utilities to integratewith the VLEC system 602 to create total grid management capabilities606. With smart-grid technology enabled by VLEC system remote managementfeatures, a utility company can monitor and stabilize power consumptionacross one or more power grids. For example, during peak consumption, autility company may remotely reduce lumen output across a grid by animperceptible 2% or 3% for a short period of time.

A computer located at a remote location such as a facility control unit18 or a control server 26 may receive/record the data generated inassociation with the regulation and use of the LED light fixtures 10.The computer may process any number of different transactions. Any datamay be retrieved for generation through a website interface 608 fortransmission over a power line or through pulsed LED light communicationsignals via the LED/s or the USB device 12. LED pulsed lightcommunication signals may also be transmitted out of the USB device 12for receipt by the Charlie unit 16 integral to an LED light fixture 10for transmission to the facility controller 18 and website 608. Itshould be noted that a control server 26 may simultaneously receive andprocess data from any number of websites representative of any number offacilities or geographic areas each having any desired number of fixturecontrollers 42 and/or LED lights or LED light fixtures 10 (FIGS. 25 and26).

In some embodiments, the solid state characteristics of LEDs allowenhanced control of energy consumption and light output throughautomated computer systems. For example, LED lights may be dimmed toprovide additional energy savings. Fluorescent lights, by comparison,are not only difficult to dim, but the process of dimming can shortenthe life of a fluorescent bulb. In a building incorporating a VLECsystem 602, dimming may be controlled via synchronization withenvironmental stimuli to create a smart lighting environment whichactively accounts for sunlight and saves energy by automatically dimmingthe LED lights within a VLEC light fixture 10 when sunlight conditionsallow.

In some embodiments, VLEC lighting systems 602 may allow for furtherenergy management for building owners as well as load management forpower utilities. Power companies may have the ability to manageimperceptible reductions in lighting output across entire sections of abuilding, city block, or power grid. This feature would benefit thepower utility and the customers, especially where peak energyconsumption is high and energy demand outpaces infrastructural capacity.

The ability to stabilize electrical consumption is important to utilitycompanies, which must build grid infrastructure (i.e. power lines,transformers, generating facilities, etc.) to accommodate peakconsumption periods of a day. This peak infrastructure is expensive tobuild and not efficiently utilized during non-peak consumption hours(when electrical consumption across a grid is significantly decreased).Therefore, stabilizing consumption across a grid is valuable to utilitycompanies reducing the need to build electrical infrastructure. Also,electrical consumption reductions realized when energy efficient VLEClights are deployed reduces peak infrastructure need.

In some embodiments, the use of a VLEC system 602 and/or networkfacilitates the monitoring of power consumption within a building, andcontrol of power usage, further stabilizing power consumption across anelectrical grid. For example, a VLEC system 602 enabled building withcontrols integrated into its elevator system may balance intermittentelevator usage and subsequent power consumption with lighting orillumination output. In some embodiments, the VLEC system 602 mayrecognize when an elevator is in use, and may simultaneously reducelighting consumption across designated areas of a building byimperceptible quantities, but with the effect of balancing powerconsumption within the building. In a building with integrated HVACsystems, HVAC consumption may be used to balance power consumption.

In some embodiments, the reduction in lighting output, or powerrelocations among various pieces of equipment established through theuse of the VLEC system 602, would be imperceptible to the unknowingindividual, the ability to reallocate power and stabilize electricalconsumption within a single building, throughout a full city block, oracross an entire power grid would conserve electricity and reduce autility company's need to build expensive peak infrastructure.

In at least one embodiment, an operating exchange 610 is utilized inassociation with a pulsed light communication system 602, using LEDpulsed light communication signals embedded within illuminationgenerated from LED light fixtures 10. In some embodiments the operatingexchange 610 is incorporated into the infrastructure of a building orstructure utilizing LED light fixtures 10 and other operating systems.In some embodiments, an individual may speak any language or have anyeducational background or training, and the individual may be able toimmediately and intuitively operate the operating exchange 610 for LEDpulsed light and communication system 602 and building operativesystems. In some embodiments, the operating exchange is not dependent onculture or gender training or knowledge of an individual.

In some embodiments, the operating exchange 610 is used to control allof the LED light fixtures 10 and operating parameters within a structureor building. In some embodiments, the operating exchange 610 facilitatesan individual's ease of use of LED light fixtures 10 and other functionswithin a building. In some embodiments, the operating exchange 610 maybe incorporated into more or less than all of the LED light fixtures 10or operating systems for a building.

In some embodiments, a computer or webpage 608 on a computer may includedrawings, diagrams and/or blueprints of a structure, where the operatingexchange 610 permits an individual to manipulate operating systems 612and controls 614 within a building through activation/deactivation ormanipulation through the computer or webpage 608. In some embodiments,an individual may focus on a desired location on a drawing, diagramand/or blueprint in order to access a system control 614 to toggle thesystem control 614 to a desired setting. The desired location on thedrawing, diagram, and/or blueprint may represent electronic switchesand/or controls 614 for building operating systems 612. In someembodiments, the switches and/or controls 614 may communicate feedbackas to the current status of a system setting. In some embodiments, thedrawings, diagrams and/or blueprints as included in a computer includemarkers/identifiers such as rectangles or other shapes which representLED light fixtures 10 or groups of LED light fixtures 10 or othersystems 612 or system controls 614. In some embodiments, the computermay also include indicators as to operational performance such as theamount of electricity being used or the setting of a system such asoperation at a maximum or high level, as opposed to operation at a lowsetting.

In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 610 includesindicators as to the setting and/or operational status of buildingsystems or features such as LED light fixtures 10, or other buildingoperating systems 612, such as a thermostat.

In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 610 includesindicators for LED light fixtures 10 such as the color, or colorsetting, for LED's within the LED light fixtures 10. In someembodiments, the color of the LED's within the LED light fixtures 10 mayvary.

In some embodiments, each building including LED light fixtures 10 alsoincludes a computer having a map of the location of each of the LEDlight fixtures 10, where each LED light fixture 10 includes a uniquelocation identifier 24 which may have GPSRS Global Positioning SystemRouting System information.

In some embodiments a controller which may be a fixture controller 42 isused in association with each individual LED light fixture 10 and inother embodiments one or more facility control unit 18 are engaged toany number of fixture controllers 42. Combinations of fixturecontrollers 42 and facility control units 18 may be utilized in anystructure and variations of configurations may be utilized dependent oninstallation requirements within existing structures, new construction,renovation, remolding, and/or upgrading of elderly structures.

In some embodiments it is anticipated that one or more LED light fixturecontrollers 42 and facility control units 18 may be utilized inelectrically independent environments such as facilities which have anindependent electrical source such as a wind turbine. In thesesituations the LED fixture controllers 42 and facility control units 18may independently calculate, or may be in communication with a controlserver 26 to calculate lumen consumption, data lumen hours, and/or datalumen minutes or combinations thereof for billing directly to a datalumen hour consumer.

The fixture controllers 42 include pulsed light communication LED's,photodetectors in order to communicate the sensed status of the featureor function for communication to the facility control unit 18 throughthe use of pulsed light communication signals. In alternativeembodiments a sensor may be integral with or in communication with thefeature or function under consideration, and the feature or function mayinclude LED's, photodetectors and control units in order to communicatethe sensed status of the feature or function directly to the facilitycontrol units 18 through the use of pulsed light communication signals,or alternatively through one or more intermediate pulsed lightcommunication locations or devices, without the use of wires integral tothe sensors.

In some embodiments, variables used to calculate lumen consumption mayinclude the age and type of existing wiring for a structure if the sameis to be used in the generation of LED illumination and pulsed lightcommunications, or the necessity for new wiring for a structure. LEDlight fixture replacement and compatibility for substitution of an LEDlight fixture panel for an existing light fixture, and any electrical orstructural modifications may also be variables to be included in lumenconsumption calculations.

In some embodiments, three or more LED light fixtures 10 in an adjacentroom may be controlled by a wire electrically connected to a fixturecontroller 42. Pro FTM signals, called the data, may ride over the wiresimultaneously with the provision of power. In some embodiments, moduleson the LED light fixture 10 decode pulsed light communicationsinformation. In some embodiments, the LED light fixture 10 receives OFTMsignals and converts the signals into an Ethernet standard computerformat which then may be injected down into a facility control unit 18.

In some embodiments, the facility control unit 18 and/or each controlelement includes a processor, or controller which includes a securityprotocol to restrict activation or a change of status of a facilitysetting until such time as a security protocol has been satisfied. Anysecurity protocol may be communicated directly through pulsed LED lightcommunication signals, or through an intermediate pulsed LED lightcommunication hub, or via an electrical signal passed over a wire.

In some embodiments, the processor/controller 16 in communication witheach fixture controller 42 receives control signals, activation signals,or change of status signals which were generated from a facility controlunit 18, or other remotely located control server 26, or other systemserver. In some embodiments, the processor/controller 16 is incommunication with each fixture controller 42 which may generate adevice or operational status signal to be received by a facility controlunit 18, remotely located control server 26, or other system server. Thedevice or operational status signal in some embodiments is generated andtransmitted by pulsed LED light communication signals.

In other embodiments, functions such as microphones 38 and speakers 40may be regulated as well as cellular telephones if equipped with apulsed light communication interface such as a dongle or key device 12.In some embodiments, cellular telephones may be deactivated within abuilding through manipulation of the virtual cyber-building controlitems.

In at least one embodiment a facility control unit 18 is incommunication with the LED XCVR light fixtures 10 within each facility,where the facility control unit 18 aggregates all connections from LEDlight fixtures 10 back through one or more power units 22 or power unitcontrollers 28 for communication to a control server 26 through use ofthe internet.

The status of a particular feature or function may be communicated tothe facility control unit 18 or controller by pulsed light communicationsignals from LED's and controllers as integral to, or in communicationwith the features or functions under consideration. In alternativeembodiments a sensor may be integral with or in communication with afeature or function under consideration. The feature or function mayinclude LED's, photodetectors and controllers in order to communicatethe sensed status of the feature or function directly to the facilitycontrol unit 18 through the use of pulsed light communication signals.Alternatively, the sensed status may be communicated through a fixturecontroller 212 or one or more intermediate pulsed light communicationlocations or devices, without the use of wires integral to the sensors.

In at least one embodiment, information as related to electrical usagemay be measured, collected and/or calculated and stored in the memory ofthe facility control unit 18 or controller. The facility control unit 18or controller may periodically communicate the measured, collectedand/or calculated electrical usage to a control server 26 which may beremotely located relative to the facility. The control server 26 mayprocess electrical usage and generate bills from a billing system 618.

In some embodiments, the facility control unit 18 is in communicationwith, and transfers information and data to a control server 26 whichmay be a mainframe computer which may be located at a remote location.One or more facility control units 18 may be utilized to access accountspecific information on site or to control communications, illuminationor other functions within a facility.

In some embodiments, information may be retrieved at a facility controlunit 18 such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger,and/or expenses for a desired period of time. In some embodiments, anaccounting system may be run remotely and may be communicated throughthe LED pulsed light communications. One or more facility control units18 may be utilized to access account specific information on site or tocontrol communications, illumination or other functions within afacility. In some embodiments, the facility control units 18 receiveinformation, data, and/or communications by pulsed light communicationsignals generated from the LED light.

In some embodiments, a room may include any number of LED light fixtures10. Each LED light fixture 10 may be operating the same, or have adifferent setting resulting in different operation. In at least oneembodiment, the data lumen hours or minutes for each LED light fixture10 may be recorded or regulated independently with respect to any otherLED light fixture 10. A composite amount of data lumen hours or minutesmay be calculated from the independent LED light fixtures 10 andcommunicated to a facility control unit 18 or a control server 26.

In at least one embodiment, two physical servers are provided asfacility control units 18 or mainframe servers which are configured tobe identical for redundancy. In some embodiments, VHM (Virtual HostMachines) A and B may be duplicate physical control servers 26 at afacility or remote location. Each VHM server may have the VMwareoperating system, allowing for numerous VPS (Virtual Private Server) toreside on each VHM server. The VPSs on VHM-A are exactly duplicated onVHM-B for redundancy.

In some embodiments, a VPS may use a CentOS operating system and runApache Web services. The VPS may also include a database (currentlyMySQL). In some embodiments, the VPS may be used for the web site thatprovides remote control of VLEC light systems.

In some embodiments, the VPS monitors the VLEC light systems.

In some embodiments, the VPS may be copied for use as a FMU or FacilityManagement Unit which may be used to monitor and to control a facility.

In at least one embodiment a facility control unit 18 is incommunication with each facility where the facility control unit 18aggregates all connections from LED light fixtures 10 back through oneor more power units 22 or power unit controllers 28 for communication toa control server 26 through use of the internet. The control server 26may be called a facility management unit or a unit controller andcomprises a computer. The control server 26 may include a web server anda website 608. The website 608 allows an individual to control the LEDlights or LED light fixtures 10 and to monitor how much energy is beingused. The website 608 may also regulate at least one securityauthorization which may be logon criteria including passwords and userverifications or other desired security measures. Following logon anindividual may control the lights of a facility. An individual may usethe website 608 to issue commands to the individual power units 22 inorder to activate or deactivate LED lights or LED light fixtures 10 orto change the intensity or the color or the timing of the LED lights orLED light fixtures 10 to be on or off in a preset schedule or on an asneeded basis.

The facility control unit 18 may also include feature program presets.The facility control unit 18 may also include image and/or soundrecordings and/or camera 36. In at least one embodiment the control offacility features and functions occur over communications transmitted aspulsed light communications from LED light fixtures 10 andphotodetectors which are constructed and arranged to receive, and togenerate, pulsed light communication signals. In at least oneembodiment, the facility control unit 18 includes facial recognitionsoftware, voice recognition software or other types of recognitionsoftware to name a few.

In at least one embodiment the features or functions of a facility maybe run through cycles or stages, or tests may occur through commandscommunicated by pulsed light communications. The status of a particularfeature or function may be communicated to the facility control unit 18or controller by pulsed light communication signals from LED's andcontrol units 16 as integral to, or in communication with the featuresor functions under consideration.

The features or functions of the facility may include LED light fixtures10 which may include a plurality of LED's, and the LED's may beindividually controlled by the facility control unit 18 or controllerthrough the interface of the facility website 608 which will communicatecommands through pulsed light communication signals. In some embodimentsthe facility website 608 and facility control unit 18 or controller maycommunicate to an individual detailed status information and/or settingsfor all of the possible connected lights, features, and/or functionswithin a facility.

In at least one embodiment the website 608 includes a user interfacethat allows an individual to control the LED lights or LED lightfixtures 10 or to activate the light switches on the wall at specificdesired locations or to activate other building systems.

In one embodiment a wire may be run to specific locations within afacility where the ends of the wire include sensors to sense the currentstatus or setting of an LED light, LED light switch, or status of abuilding function such as a light, thermostat, door, elevator, lock,camera, speaker, microphone or any other type of feature which may besensed, manipulated, monitored or controlled. The sensed status isdisplayed on the website 608 for the facility. The facility controlwebsite 608 may include a touchscreen to monitor and to manipulateswitches or to alter the status of a facility feature. The facilitycontrol website 608 facilities the selection of one or more, or all, ofthe features to control, and via the website, screens regulate thefunctions of the facility through the website interface. In certainembodiments an individual may control all lights simultaneously for bothwarm and cool light settings, or settings in between warm or cool, or anindividual may control the warm or cool settings individually throughthe use of sliding features on a touchscreen, which may be used tochange the intensity of the LED lights.

In some embodiments the control page of the website 608 enables anindividual to establish and to set up programs for control of featuresand/or functions or lights for an individual room, were specific lightsover a cubicle or other area are controlled remotely by the facilitywebsite 608 and facility control unit 18 or controller.

An individual having the correct login, password and securityinformation may access the facility webpage interface 608 from anyremote location where internet access is available, in order to regulateor control the functions or features of a facility. An individual maycontrol the lights or other functions or features with the presetsettings, or the individual may selectively set the lights, function, orfeature so long as the individual has an internet connection, which maybe provided by a dongle or key device 12 including a photodetector andLED's for communication through pulsed light communication signals. Insome embodiments, access to the facility webpage interface 608 may occurthrough the use of a desktop computing device, a transportable or laptopcomputing device, a cellular telephone device, a tablet computing deviceor any other communication device providing communication over theinternet.

Logging onto the website 608 may establish access to a multi-facilitymanagement unit control page. The website interface 608 may show all ofthe power units 22 that are in a facility and all other LED lightfixtures 10 or other features of the facility or plurality offacilities. An individual may select which power units 22 to control oran individual may select all of the power units 22 for control. Anindividual may alternatively activate select individual LED lights orLED light fixtures 10 to change light intensities. In at least oneembodiment the website 608 includes a user interface that allows anindividual to control the LED lights or LED light fixtures or toactivate the light switches on the wall at specific desired locations.

In another embodiment, the website 608 will have programmed presetsalternating warm light and cool light to provide a difference in thecolor intensity during illumination within certain locations inside orexterior to a structure at pre-selected times.

The website control interface enables control each individual lightfixture 10 or LED light emitting diode. The website 608 may communicateor receive detail information to or from a power unit 22 regarding thesettings and status for all 16 of the possible connected light fixtures10 and usage of each LED light fixture 10 or LED light emitting diode.

In some embodiments, all of the information related to wattage used in apulsed light communication system may be collected on the power unitcontroller 28. A control server 26 may be set up at a remote locationthat will retrieve power/wattage usage information from the power unitcontroller 28, and enter the information into one or more servers 26,where the information communicated to and processed by a billing system618 for generation of bills to users of the LED light fixtures 10 forconsumption of illumination, pulsed light communications, data lumensper hour, or data lumens per minute or other measurement unit.

The website interface 608 may also provide access to data of particularvendors or customers to provide a status of LED light fixtures 10.Functions such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger,may be assessable through the offsite control server 26. For example,the accounting system may be accessible remotely through the LED lightfixtures 10, USB device 12 and Charlie units 16 which are capable ofsending and receiving pulsed LED light communication signals.

In some embodiments, the website 608 provides a multi-facilitymanagement unit control page within each facility where the website 608enables control of individual LED lights and/or LED light fixtures 10.The controls of LED light fixtures 10 may be provided by the use oftouchscreen sliders which may regulate the intensity or color of the LEDlights.

In one embodiment, light switches may be mounted in a wall and a wiremay be run to sense pins on the power unit controller 28, enablingactivation of a switch controlling the light panels. A touchscreenmonitor may be in communication with the power unit 22, power unitcontroller 28, and/or website 608.

In some embodiments, all of the usage information as far as the wattageused may be collected on the power unit controller 28.

In some embodiments, a power unit 22 is used in association with afacility control unit 18. Each power unit 22 may support up to sixteenlight fixtures. Power units 22 may be daisy-chained together. Each powerunit 22 may also accommodate hard wired wall switches, or touch panelsfor direct control of fixtures.

In some embodiments, a Power Unit Controller (PUC) 28 is located at adatacenter of the facility, where an internet connection is available.If there will be more chains of power units 22 connected to the PUC 28than there are Ethernet ports available, then a switch may be placedbetween the PUC 28 and the power units 22. The PUC 28 may control DHCPfunctions for communications. The PUC 28 also controls and monitors theLED light fixtures 10 by SNMP communication with the power units 22. ThePUC 28 accumulates usage data from the power units 22, which isperiodically retrieved by the monitoring control servers 26. The PUC 28may contain a web server, with a website 608 for controlling andprogramming the VLEC light fixtures 10. This control website 608 will beavailable from any device that can display web pages {i.e. phones,tablets, computers, etc.}, provided the proper authorization is set upfor a device or user.

Current available network security and authorization techniques can beused to ensure access is limited appropriately.

The monitoring control servers 26 may include databases that accumulateusage statistics for all the PUCs 28, power units 22, and VLEC lightfixtures 10. The monitoring control services 26 may have an interfacethat allows operators to check the history and status of infrastructuralapparatus or use of infrastructural apparatus. The monitoring controlservers 26 may be configured to initiate alarms when there are issueswith any hardware in the field, and/or network connectivity to thathardware. In some embodiments, the provider of the VLEC system is madeaware of a problem immediately when it occurs, possibly even before thecustomer is aware of a problem.

The monitoring control servers 26 may also perform the necessarycalculations on the accumulated data to provide the appropriate billinginformation to the billing system 618.

The power unit 22 may be housed in a rectangular box having a pluralityof RJ-45 plug in slots which include a controller. This power unit 22consists of a power supply, an injector board which has the sixteenports for POE connections to the lights and also a switch, such as aCisco switch, which is integrated into the power unit 22.

In some embodiments, the PUC 28 may record how many watts are being usedon each preset and the electrical usage such as 158 watts to generatelight. The PUC 28 may provide a test mode which runs the lights throughstages, where the lights cycle through warm light and cool light, offand back on, to confirm functionality. The power unit 22 in someembodiments provides 600 watts of power to the light panels.

In some embodiments the control server 26 polls the power unitcontroller 28 and/or power units 22 at regular intervals to receivedusage data. Data monitored by the power unit controller 28 and/or powerunits 22 and communicated to the control server 26 include but is notnecessarily limited to frequency, voltage, current and usage of eachLED, string of LED's or groups of LED's. In some embodiments, LED lightfixtures 10 may include one or more strings of cool white LED's and warmyellow LED's. In some embodiments each power unit 22 may be inelectrical communication with up to thirty two strings of LED's.

In some embodiments, the power units 22 gather data every second and thepower unit controllers 28 gather data from the power units 22 everysecond, or on another regular basis. The control servers 26 performcalculations on the data to convert watts used to data lumen hoursconsumed where the calculations are then stored in memory prior tobilling. In some embodiments, the raw data and the data lumen hourscalculations are communicated and stored on a redundant or back upserver.

In some embodiments the calculated data lumen hours are communicated toanother computer for aggregation, processing and billing. Theinformation related to composite aggregations processing and billing ofdata lumen hours may also be stored on a separate computer forredundancy.

In some embodiments, a fixture controller 42 may include a meter 620 ora supplemental meter 622 to record lumen generation and/or pulsed lightcommunication data usage. In some embodiments a supplemental meter 622may be used between a fixture controller 42; a facility control unit 18;and/or a controller server 26 on a structure to minimize or to eliminatethe necessity to rewire an existing structure. In some embodiments, asupplemental meter 622 which may include a supplemental recorder mayaccumulate data from a plurality of LED light fixtures 10 and/or fixturecontrollers 42 within a structure.

In some embodiments, a monitoring or a metering board may be locatedunderneath the switch that meters the amount of electricity used.

In some embodiments, a facility may have two or more electrical meters620. A first electrical meter will be a meter from an electricalprovider such as a power company or other electrical source. A secondmeter will be a meter for recording and/or calculating illumination anddata lumens per hour or minute consumption. The second meter wouldtransmit the accumulated information and data concerning data lumenhours to the control server 26 for processing, to calculate compensationdue from a customer for the usage of the data lumen hours forillumination and data communication.

In at least one embodiment, sub-meters are used in the conversion of anexisting structure or facility to the use of LED pulsed light forillumination as well as data transfer and communications. In existingconstruction, in some embodiments, each LED light fixture may include asub-meter which in turn may be in communication with either a fixturecontroller 42 or a facility control unit 18 where each sub-metercollects data related to data lumen hours or data lumen minutes fromeach light fixture 10. The information of data lumengeneration/consumption from each LED light fixture 10 may be accumulatedand communicated to a control server 26 for processing and generation ofan invoice to a customer regardless as to the external or internalsource of electricity provided to the individual LED light fixtures 10.

In at least one embodiment, a control server 26 will provide a means tocontrol lighting apparatus of a facility while simultaneously enhancingand redefining security systems, facility operational systems, securitycameras, public address systems as well as other systems within abuilding/facility.

In at least one embodiment, the control server 26 includes data tablesand algorithms which process received recorded data from the fixturecontrollers 42 and/or the facility control units 18 which are used togenerate a return signal to the facility controllers 42 and the fixturecontrollers 42 to adjust electrical input into the LED light sources tooptimize the generation of lumens and pulsed light data communications.

In at least one embodiment the stored data within the data tables andalgorithms will be directed to optimization of variables as identifiedherein some of which being color; intensity levels, degradation as aresult of time or use; historic usage as well as other variables. Inaddition, the control server 26 includes data tables and billingalgorithms which are used to process data and information received fromthe fixture controllers 42 and/or the facility control units 18 togenerate and calculate the data lumen hours and/or data lumens perminute utilized at a facility, and to generate a periodic customerinvoice for the customers consumption of the data lumen hours, datalumen minutes, data usage, and/or illumination usage at a particular LEDlight fixture or facility or other designated geographic area orlocation.

In some embodiments, a control server 26, facility control unit 18,and/or fixture server 42 permits an individual to simultaneously engagein a plurality of activities such as internet access and usage during apulsed light communication, such as a video and/or verbal communicationsbetween individuals.

A control server 26 located at a remote location may include/record thedata generated in association with the regulation and use of the LEDlight fixtures 10. The control server 26 may also process any number ofdifferent transactions. Any data may be retrieved for generation throughthe website interface 608 for transmission over a power line or throughpulsed LED light communication signals via the LED/s or the USB device12. LED pulsed light communication signals may also be transmitted outof the USB device 12 for receipt by the Charlie unit 16 for transmissionto the control server 26 and website 608. It should be noted that thecontrol server 26 may simultaneously receive and process data from anynumber of websites 608 representative of any number of facilities orgeographic areas each having any desired number of fixture controllers42 and/or LED lights or LED light fixtures 10. In some embodiments, thecontrol server 26 is a mainframe computer.

In at least one embodiment the control server 26 measures and/orcalculates the photons of light used as illumination and as emitted inpulsed light communications. The control server 26 may also measureand/or calculate the data exchanged in association with the lumensgenerated through the provision of illumination and pulsed lightcommunications. Lumens, photons and data transmitted by the LED's inassociation with the generation of illumination and pulsed lightcommunications may be measured and identified in units of measurementsuch as data lumen hours or data lumen minutes to name a few. The lumenconsumption for a customer may be dependent on any number of variables,some of which may include the age of one or more LED's; the efficiencyof one or more LED's; the resistance across one or more LED's; the colorof the illumination exiting the LED's; the past history of use of theone or more LED's; the volume of data transmitted by the one or moreLED's; the past history of use and/or nonuse of the LED's, as in thetotal duration that the LED's have been off; the number of times thatthe LED's have been turned on or off; the lumen intensity changes to theone or more LED's; and/or in combination the setting and the historicsettings for the voltage duty cycle for the one or more LED's.

In at least one embodiment the method for the provision of lumens to acustomer may include regional considerations as well as residentialconsiderations in pricing as related to the simultaneous provision oflumens as illumination and pulsed light communications to a customer. Inaddition, in at least one embodiment a particular room within aresidential structure may include a controller 20 having an awareness oflocation and function within an overall structure lighting andcommunication system.

In some embodiments, the calculation of lumen consumption will includean assessment of variables which may be present for an LED light whichmay vary in intensity, vary in proficiency level, vary in degradation,vary in color such as LED's produced in yellow which are less efficientas compared to LED's produced in white, where these and other variablesare interrogated or received by the controller 20 or control server 26.In some embodiments, the control server 26 has the capability to send asignal/instruction back (or upstream) to the controller 20 incommunication with a particular light fixture 10, in order to adjust theLED light fixture 10, to alter the level of electricity to be providedto the LED light fixture 10, to modify or enhance lumen output, orregulate performance. In turn, the control server 26 will calculate theprevious lumen generation/consumption and the adjusted lumengeneration/consumption for inclusion within client invoices to be paidby the customer to the lumen provider. In some embodiments compensationfor an amount of electricity is paid to the electrical provider by thelumen provider on behalf of the customer. In some embodiments thecustomer receives invoices for the generation of data lumen hours, datalumen minutes, or some other quantity of lumen consumption/generationwhere data lumen hours or minutes includes usage of light forillumination and/or data or information transfer or communication.

In some embodiments lumen hour production may be calculated by meteringor net metering of either light or electricity. In some embodiments thecalculation for compensation for data lumen hour consumption may includecalculations derived from metering, net metering and multipliersassociated with the variables as identified herein, and/or othervariables which affect lumen and pulsed light communication output suchas the volume data usage.

In some embodiments, the LED lights change intensity, turn on and off,and change color. Each of those factors use a different amount ofelectricity and produce different data characterized as a data lumenhour.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to the sale—resale of lightand how the light is sold. In at least one alternative embodiment, theinvention is directed to how the sale or resale of the light iscalculated especially in circumstances in which a light will vary inintensity and/or has different efficiency levels depending on time ofproduction and use. In some embodiments, yellow colored LED's are lessefficient than white LEDs. In at least one embodiment, all of thesedifferent factors and variations are calculated by a microcontrollerwhich is ultimately being interrogated by a computer/server to processthe data related to the variables and to generate calculated sums to beused in billing algorithms or processing on a billing computer. In atleast one embodiment, the computer/server calculates the data lumenhours 34, and/or data lumen minutes or other periodic measurement unit.In at least one embodiment of the invention, data lumen hours areproduced, metered and sold.

The use of electricity from an electrical source to produce photons oflight may initiate from an external source such as a power company or aninternal source which in one embodiment may be a wind turbine or otherelectricity generating source.

In at least one embodiment, a customer of the light photons will beresponsible to provide compensation for and/or installation of the LEDlight fixtures 10. In at least one alternative embodiment, the method toprovide data lumen hours will occur through taking over a customer'sentire power bill with an electrical provider.

In an alternative embodiment, the method to provide data lumen hourswill occur through use of an outboard meter in electrical communicationwith the LED light fixtures 10, and the communication to a power companyof data from a sub-meter for the calculated data lumen hours as a secondinvoice. A client will tender a payment for general use of electricity,and electricity for specific use in generation of data lumen hours asprocessed within a control server 26. In this embodiment, theelectricity provider would need to accept the data/information from thesub-meter for billing to an electrical consumer.

In at least one embodiment, a separate and distinct data lumen hourmeter will be connected to a discrete circuit for the LED light fixtures10.

One problem with the use of data lumen hours occurs with respect toinstallation in existing construction without renovation.

In at least one embodiment, it is difficult to use a meter 620 orsub-meter 622 and to chase or track existing wiring through the buildingto a discriminating box in order to use a meter or sub-meter to measuredata lumen hours. Data recorded at each supplemental or sub-meter 622may be assimilated and combined to formulate and calculate data lumenhour usage and an amount of compensation to paid for the data lumen hourconsumption.

In at least one embodiment, in existing construction, a largecentralized switch may be provided having a meter 620, and a pluralityof sub-meters 622 may be electrically connected to, and in communicationwith, the centralized switch where each sub-meter may measure data forcalculation of data lumen per hour consumption.

In at least one embodiment, a sub-meter is positioned proximate to anLED light fixture 10. In other embodiments, a sub-meter 622 may be at adistance removed from an LED light fixture 10. In some embodiments, asub-meter 622 may be electrically connected upstream and/or downstream,from each LED light fixture 10 and either one or both of the sub-metersmay be proximate to, or spatially removed from an LED light fixture 10,in any combination without restriction.

In at least one embodiment, a sub-metering function may be utilized on aper LED light basis, within each LED light fixture 10, and in otherembodiments, the data collection function may be incorporated as afeature of a “smart LED” used in an LED light fixture 10. In at leastone embodiment, a digital potentiometer may be used with each LED lightfixture 10.

In some embodiments, metering may occur through interruption of a switchwhich may be electrical or mechanical connected to the ground, or basedon load.

In at least one embodiment, a meter 620 or sub-meter 622 collects dataconcerning electrical consumption before and after an LED light fixture10 in a manner similar to the measurement of electrical resistanceacross the LED light fixture 10, and a calculation will occur because acertain amount of electrons will be converted to photons. In otherembodiments, a meter 620 or sub-meter 622 may include a light sensorwith a meter to measure light output.

In some embodiments, the measured or calculated light output will varybased on individual LED light source efficiencies including the level ofoperation and color. The measured data may be compared to known tablesof data over time to provide the measured or calculated value for datalumen hours.

In some embodiments, variables used in calculation of data lumen hoursor minutes include varying illumination intensity, varying LED lightintensity, the color of the LED's, the frequency of the duty cycle forthe LED's during operation; the periods of time that the LED's are on oroff; the frequency service; the electricity provided to the LED's; theadjusted electricity provided to the LED's, the type of LED's; themanufacturer or the LED's and the volume of data communicated throughthe LED's to name a few. In some embodiments, another variable in theconsideration of a data lumen hour is the geographic location of the LEDlight fixtures. These and other variables when considered and summarizedyield a different amount of data lumen hours/minutes for individualLED's as well as LED light fixtures 10.

In some embodiments, the calculation of data lumen hours 34 may alsoinclude an initial activation fee which may be invoiced separately orfinanced into the expense of a data lumen hour.

In at least one embodiment, a calibration meter may be used in thecalculation of data lumen hours or data lumen minutes. The calibrationmeter may be used to compare a threshold value as stored on the controlserver 26 representative of a minimum level of performance for LED's onan LED light fixture 10. The calibration meter may be used to identifywith an individual LED failure or an LED light fixture 10 failure.Identification of a failure in turn results in the issuance of a signalfrom either the fixture controller 42. Facility control unit 18, and/orcontrol server 26 to re-route pulsed light communications to isolate andcreate an alternative route around the identified failure. In someembodiments the calibration meter may be either between the fixturecontroller 42 and the facility center unit 18; between the Charlie Unit16 and the facility center unit 18; between the Charlie Unit 16 and thecontrol server 26; between the fixture controller 42, and the controlserver 26; and between the facility central unit 18 and the controlserver 26. In some alternative embodiments the calibration meter may beeither upstream or downstream from a power unit controller 28.

In some embodiments a user may select the quality of illumination to beprovided to an area or facility. In some embodiments the selection of ahigher quality of color if light will result in an increased data lumenper hour or minute expense. In some embodiments it will be in thediscretion of the user to balance quality and/or considerations providedas illumination against the expense associated with higher quality coloras calculated as DLh or DLm.

In some embodiments, the types of electrical devices 30 to be regulatedby facial recognition of images captured by the camera 36 as engaged toan LED light fixture 10 include but are not necessarily limited to HVACsystems, computers, speakers, intercoms, microphones, lights, fans,personal computing devices, portable computing devices, and/orcellphones, to name a few.

It should be noted that in some embodiments that the environment to beregulated by the controller using the facial recognition of images mayinclude any desired configuration or combination of variables asidentified herein or as available for regulation by manipulation of anelectronic device 30. In some embodiments, the controller may regulateany combination of a plurality of light fixtures or LED light fixtures10 to maximize the utility of an environment which simultaneouslyminimizes electrical cost. In some embodiments, the controller using thefacial recognition software may also include preset configurations foractivation, deactivation, color, brightness, or dimming of illuminationin any combination.

In some embodiments, the fixture controller 42 or facility control unit18 may record how many watts of electricity are being used on a presetenvironmental setting and the electrical usage such as 158 watts togenerate light. The LED light fixture 10 or facility control unit 18 mayprovide a test mode which runs the lights through stages, where thelights cycle through warm light and cool light, off and back on, toconfirm functionality. The website control interface 608 enables controlof each individual light fixture 10 or LED light emitting diode.

The fixture controller 42 or facility control unit 18, website 608,and/or interface enable the selection or customization of programs forindividual areas or rooms, individual groups of lights or specificlights, or areas such as over a cubicle or other location. All of theinformation related to wattage used may be collected on a power unitcontroller 28. A control server 26 may be provided at a remote locationwhich will retrieve power/wattage usage information from the power unitcontroller 28, and enter the information into one or more servers, wherethe information may be communicated to, and processed by, a billingsystem 618 for generation of bills to users of the LED light fixtures10.

In some embodiments, an electronic device 30 may include memory torecord data, usage, or communications occurring through the dongledevice 12. The electronic device 30, may transfer in real time, or at afuture date to a control server 26, data or communication usage so thattables related to geographic location, duration of time, and othervariables may be processed in association with one or more algorithms todetermine a billing cost to a user. An algorithm may be utilized tocalculate and to translate usage into data lumens per hour or datalumens per minute for billing purposes to a client.

In at least one embodiment, an electronic device 30 which may interfacewith a dongle device 12 may include pre-stored payment or credit cardinformation to provide compensation for communications or data accessvia pulsed light communications. In addition, the credit or paymentauthorization may be available for other types of transactions includingcommunications over a cellular network, microwave, satellite or someother type of communication other than, or in addition to, pulsed lightcommunication signals. Meters 620, or metering/timing software may beused to record illumination, and/or communication and/or data usage. Insome embodiments, the payment or credit authorization may also includesecurity protocols such as password/login criteria. The securityinformation may be provided orally through voice recognition and inother embodiments through numeric or alphabetical characters.

In at least one embodiment, if a person chooses to take a calloriginating and/or occurring through the use of LED pulsed lightcommunications, the control server 26 may identify that person forbilling purposes. In at least one embodiment, the control server 26would record the length of time of the communication. The identity ofthe individual would enable either billing or payment through a creditcard authorization. Alternatively, payment information may be requestedat the onset of the communication request.

In some embodiments, identification and payment authorization may bepre-established or information may be provided on a use basis.

In some embodiments, information may be retrieved at a facility controlunit 18 such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger,and/or expenses for a desired period of time.

In some embodiments, billing for pulsed light communications would occurin a manner similar to a cellular telephone. In some embodiments, pulsedlight communication may be integrated into known communicationtechniques and pulsed light communications may be piggy backed orintegrated into a cellular signal for receipt by an individual on anairplane in transit from one location to another.

In some embodiments, access to a database may be made available to auser on an expense per use basis or other billing increment. Pre-paymentauthorization may be made through verbal exchange with the LED lightfixture or payment authorization may be made simultaneously with the useof the LED pulsed light communication system.

In at least one embodiment, if an authorized user elects to accept acommunication through the LED light fixture then the user is identifiedfor billing purposes and prepayment protocols may be initiated orpayment options may be accessed in real time. In some embodiments, theduration and usage of the communication is metered for billing purposes.In at least one embodiment, a control server 26 may request a paymentpassword prior to the transfer of a communication to a user.

In at least one embodiment, a payment authorization may be made by auser inserting a dongle device 12 into an electronic device 30 and theuser pushing a payment button which will initiate the activation for theLED's on the dongle device 12 to initiate a pulsed light communicationcontaining the payment authorization information. An LED light fixture10 including the photodetectors receives the pulsed light communicationincluding the payment authorization information, which then proceedswith the completion of the communication.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system enhances cyber securityestablishing electrical smart grids, which may be based on standardInternet protocol.

In some embodiments, the VLEC system with GPSRS technology may eliminatecyber-security concerns. With GPSRS technology, a VLEC network use istied to physical locations instead of easily manipulated passwords.Every packet of information sent over a GPSRS enabled infrastructure istagged with a GPSRS coordinate identified with the communication node(VLEC light fixtures 10 or other GPSRS enabled network device) which maybe used to access and support the network. In some embodiments, everypacket of information sent over a GPSRS enabled infrastructure may alsobe tagged with a receipt and/or transmission time stamp by eachrespective communication node (VLEC light fixtures 10 or other GPSRSenabled network device) which may be used to access and support thenetwork. Data or information to be communicated within the VLEC systemwill be continually tagged and/or updated with GPSRS identifiers fromtransmitting and receiving locations within the VLEC system. Only thosepackets of information tagged with the correct coordinate location (andany intermediate location along with any other necessary passwords oridentifying material) have access to the system. As such, aninfrastructure control may only allow access from predeterminedlocations (using a predetermined VLEC light fixture 10 or GPSRS enablednetwork device) such that the packets of information desiring access arecoded with the appropriate GPSRS coordinates. In some embodiments, everyVLEC light fixture 10 may be operationally tied to a GPSRS location, andwill not communicate if removed from its authorized location andinstalled elsewhere.

In one embodiment, a location or facility providing internet access,which is concerned about security, may simultaneously provide one ormore networks having different levels of security for designated areaswithin a structure or location, where the networks utilize opticaltransceivers and visible light communication signals.

For example a provider of internet access at a location may provide anydesired number of internet networks, one of which may be identified as ablue network, which is a network utilizing optical transceivers andvisible light communication signals. In this example an individual maywalk into a public area and access the internet in a manner similar toan individual accessing the internet using a cell phone or othercommunication device such as a laptop computer or tablet computingdevice. The individual may access the Internet through the use of thepulsed light or visible light communication signals via an LED lightlink key 12. The key 12 may be built into a device, or releasablyconnected to the device.

In at least one embodiment, consider a situation where an individual isin the lunchroom at NASA or another public or private gathering area,and is accessing the internet over a network using an opticaltransceiver and visible light communication signals. In this example theoptical light transceiver will include a light sensor which may have anindicator around the light sensor which may change colors dependent uponthe network being accessed by an individual. For example, if a networkhaving a first level of security is designated as the Blue Network thenthe indicator around the light sensor may be Blue and be observed byindividuals located in the NASA lunchroom. The internet signal from thecommunication device used by the individual will include a signal, code,or communication which is received by the light sensor of the opticaltransceiver, where the signal, code, or communication will be recognizedas having a designated level of security, in turn causing the indicatorto emit a visible color representative of the internet network beingused and level of security access for the designated area.

In one embodiment, if an area is designated as a general or publicsecurity area, and the Blue indicator color is selected for the internetnetwork and security level in this area, then an individual in this areaaccessing the internet will cause the indicator to emit a Blue light. Asecond or additional network having a higher security level may bedesignated by the color Red. An individual located in a public area,such as the lunchroom example as identified above, where the networksecurity is designated for the color Blue, attempting to access a Red ormore secure network, will cause the indicator on the transceiver to emitred light, which in turn will provide to individuals and securitypersonnel at least a visual signal that someone is attempting to use ahigher security network in an area designated for low security access.This color emission would in turn signal an investigation into anunauthorized network access based on the selected security area.

In some embodiments, a light sensor may be located in a lunchroom asidentified above, or adjacent to the optical transceiver, which uponreceipt of a signal would initiate an indicator to glow blue, so thatanyone looking at the indicator would know that the network, internetaccess, or communication was occurring over the blue network. In someembodiments a blue network may be designated as a network for a guest orvisitor.

In some embodiments, the indicator which may be a ring around an LED,photdetector, on a dongle device 12, or LED light fixture 10 which mayemit observable light of different colors. If someone came in to theNASA conference room or lunchroom, sat down, and then started to work onan unauthorized network, which might be a network having top secretsecurity clearance, (Red network) then individuals present in the areadesignated as a network for a guest or a visitor (Blue area) would beable to identify access to an incorrect network.

The recognition of the appropriate network security and the control ofthe indicator may be accomplished through the use of software, hardwareor a combination of software and hardware which may be integral to orseparated from an optical transceiver. An optical receiver including theappropriate network recognition function may be referred to as a CharlieUnit 16. The Charlie Unit 16 used to visually indicate what network isbeing utilized, may be an annunciator or signal to visually communicateattempts to gain unauthorized access to secure networks from designatedlow security areas. If an individual were to access a Wi-Fi network andthen try to break into a more secure network, then no one would be ableto identify this attempt.

To accomplish the provision of separate networks, a managed switch maybe utilized behind or upstream from an optical transceiver so the pulsedlight communication signal then becomes the link, almost similar to awire and Jack on the wall. In this situation an area would not utilizedifferent jacks for every different network. Through the use of opticaltransceivers and through the use of one or more managed switches, onlyone device may be required to provide access to multiple differentnetworks having alternative security clearances. In at least oneembodiment the managed switches are capable of software switching todifferent networks, which in turn provides access to different levels ofsecurity.

In at least one embodiment, access to different levels having differentsecurity authorizations may occur through the use of identifiers such asa Mac code for a device. When an individual has possession of adesignated client access device, which may be plugged into a computer orother electronic communication device, the designated client accessdevice may light up and provide a pulsed LED light communication signal.In at least one embodiment the a unique Mac or other code may berecognized by the managed switch, and infrastructure behind the managedswitch, to determine whether or not an individual is authorized tocommunicate with one or more networks or networks having differentsecurity authorization parameters.

In at least one embodiment, the Charlie Unit 16 may provide variedpulses which may be identified as sync pulses or synchronization pulses.The sync pulses retain data so that a processor integral to, orseparated from, an optical transceiver may recognize and discern thedata and/or the sync pulses.

In at least one embodiment the utilization of synchronization pulses maybe readily recognized by the managed switch and/or processor integral orremoved from an optical transceiver to either permit or restrict accessto a particular network functioning in a manner similar to a master keysystem for a building. In some embodiments, sync pulses function ascertain keys and provide access or authorization to certain networks ordoors while some keys may only open a single network or door. In atleast one embodiment access into a network may be regulated by a managedswitch, synchronization pulses and/or from a hardware standpoint.

In some embodiments, the designated client access device may include anytype of identification or authorization code similar to a PC or a Macaddress which would function as a different set of signaling. Theidentification or authorization code used during optical communicationswould be unique, so that access and/or a transmission based upon anidentification or authorization code for a RED network would begibberish and unrecognizable for a GREEN network. In at least onealternative embodiment access into different network environments wouldbe regulated by a hardware key as compared to an identification orauthorization code. In at least one alternative embodiment, access intodifferent network environments would be regulated by a combination ofsoftware incorporated into a managed switch and a hardware key. In atleast one embodiment it would not be possible to access a particularnetwork with an incorrect pulse identification which would physicallyprevent access to a restricted network. In at least one embodiment forthe master key, one or more branches or sub keys may be available suchas key “A” may have branches such as AB, AA, AC, AD, AE and underneathbranches additional sub-branches may be available, so one pulse mayprovide authorization and/or access into one network or area, anothermodulation for the pulse, the timing of the pulse, or sync of the pulsemay provide authorization and/or access to other networks.

Managed switches 624 as used with the power units 22 and/or the powerunit controllers 28 may be available from Cisco and may varysignificantly in price. Managed switches 624 may also vary in speed andflexibility for the isolation of signals between networks to preventjumping from one network to another network in violation of securityprotocols.

In at least one embodiment the light as generated from an opticaltransceiver may be used as a portal for access to a managed switch 624,which in turn provides access to a designated network.

In at least one embodiment, independent variable features may beincorporated into the managed switch 624 for access to independentnetworks, which may also include variable capability for the timingpulses and/or sync pulses. Variations utilized in association with thetiming pulses and/or sync pulses may include but are not necessarilylimited to variations which are similar to AM or FM modulationcommunication schemes. In some embodiments the timing pulses and/or syncpulses may be, or may include, digital encryption methods or techniques.It should be noted that the types of variations to be utilized inassociation with the timing pulses and/or sync pulses is not restrictedto the types identified herein and may include other types or variationsto accomplish the desired data or other communication transfer occurringthrough pulsed light communications as embedded within illuminationprovided to a user.

In at least one embodiment the above features accomplish networkdifferentiation or access differentiation for an individual using anetwork. In at least one embodiment, an individual obtains access to anetwork by passing a first hardware door, then the individual may obtainaccess to the managed switch 624 and/or the software doors prior toconnection to a desired network.

In at least one embodiment, a more proficient network switch, acting asa managed switch 624, provides higher security between differentnetworks. In at least one embodiment, a hardware door is provided inaddition to a software door prior to access to a desired network therebyimproving the overall security for network usage.

If the duty cycle for the LED light devices is discontinued then the LEDlight emitting diodes terminate communication of pulsed light signals.Varying the voltage and maintaining a duty cycle provides continuouscommunication of pulsed light signals.

In at least one embodiment, the voltage provided to the LED lightsources is varied and not terminated or interrupted to enable continuousand uninterrupted pulsed light communication without losing datapackets, or attempting to pick up dropped communication data packets.Pulsed light communication signals are provided through a variable cycleto eliminate the necessity for digital potentiometers and extracircuitry.

The control of the diode intensity by varying the pulse width duty cycleof operation does not sacrifice communication.

In some embodiments, the duty cycle for the LED light sources is variedbut is not terminated. In some embodiments, having a duty cycle wherepower is periodically terminated to an LED light source breaks thecontinuous chain and flow of a communication causing pulsed lightcommunications to fill memory for a device while waiting for power to bereturned to the LED's and for communication to resume. Because of thefrequency of the flashes, continuous communication is not optimized ifelectricity is periodically terminated to the LED's. Continuouscommunication in some embodiments may be provided by adjusting theelectricity provided to the LED light sources, where electricity iscontinuous, yet the amount of electricity is pulsed, (variable dutycycle) which does not interrupt a pulsed light communication signal.

In some embodiments, the voltage provided to the LED's is varied toprovide a continuous LED pulsed light communication signal. Thisembodiment eliminates the necessity to pick up information packets whichwere dropped during electrical interruption. In some embodiments, theuse of a variable cycle to dim LED's eliminates the need for digitalpotentiometers and extra circuitry.

One problem associated with embedded pulsed light communication isrelated to the reduced intensity of the LEDs during a known duty cyclewhich interferes with the communication signal. The present invention,in at least one embodiment, provides pulsed embedded light communicationwithout interfering with the communication signal by varying the dutycycle of the pulse wave form, which deviates from the duty cycletraditionally provided to the LEDs.

In the past, the duty cycle exposed to LEDs did not permit constant andcontinuous communication. In the past, the variation of the known dutycycles caused complications and a slow down of pulsed lightcommunications, and in certain instances actually stopped thecommunication. During operation of some LEDs, the termination of powerto the LED's caused interruptions in the embedded pulsed lightcommunication signals reducing the value and efficiency of pulsed lightcommunication.

In at least one embodiment, the invention varies the voltage to the LEDsusing injector circuits having variable voltage control circuits and/orvariable power supply or miniature variable power supplies. In at leastone embodiment, the use of variable injector circuits having variablevoltage control and/or power supply (which may be miniature) maintainsthe efficiencies and running the LEDs to improve the performance,quality, and operation of embedded pulsed light communication signals.In at least one embodiment, the variable voltage as provided to the LEDsmaximizes the efficiencies and transmission of embedded pulsed lightcommunication's while simultaneously providing a desired output ofillumination. In at least one embodiment the use of variable voltage asprovided to the LEDs provides or enables the embedded communicationpulses to have total exclusivity to any variation in pulses. In someembodiments, power may be provided to the LED's over the Ethernet.

In some embodiments where there is fixed voltages, improved performancemay be provided through the use of variable voltages which mostly aid incommunication, but also aid in efficiencies and the intensity of thelight. In some embodiments variable voltages may occur over two channelsover an Ethernet, so that control of the color may occur, therebyreducing the more yellow light and increasing the more white light orcool light. Warm light may also be referred to as hot and cool light maybe referred to as cold. In certain embodiments it is desirable to reducethe provision of hot light, the cold light and both hot and cold light.It is desirable to not terminate or to turn the duty cycle off, so thata pulsed LED light generated communication signal may continue to besufficiently strong, so that the signal may continue to communicate. Inthe past the known duty cycle terminated power at regular intervalswhich in turn increased the difficulty to maintain continuouscommunications while simultaneously providing a perceived reduction inlight emission or illumination. The provision of reduced and/orterminated pulsed light duty cycles increased the difficulty tocommunicate and/or slowed down the pulsed LED light communications.

Normally a duty cycles operates by providing LED's within an LED lightfixture 10 a standard communication comprising a data pulse traindriving the current into the LEDs. The light output from the LEDs ismodulated based on that data pulse train provided to the LEDs. In thepast, the LED lights were dimmed in order to embed another train ofpulses inside the data pulse train, so that a blanking out of the wholesystem occurs, to shut the lights off completely at regular intervals.When the lights are on at regular intervals then data continues to beemitted from the lights. However, when the lights are off completely atregular intervals then no data is being transmitted through the standarddimming approach. This effect is equally applicable to color changingwith respect to dim to cool, dim to warm, or with respect to any desiredvariation in color which would occur along with the desired level ofdimming of the lights.

Instead of embedding an on/off blanking signal procedure in order to dimthe lights, in one embodiment the lights are on at all times so the datais moving all the time. In order to transmit pulsed light communicationsignals as embedded within the light, in one embodiment, a lower totalcurrent as compared to the average current is provided to the to theLEDs. By lowering the voltage and giving a continuous light emission orillumination, a constant capability is provided to send data pulsetrains. This embodiment does not sacrifice what could be 50% of thecommunication capability of a traditional pulse train. The continuousprovision of at least some current to the LED's does not result in asacrifice of band width. In at least one embodiment where continuouscurrent is provided the band width is not sacrificed because the LED'sare not being turned on and off and the ability to provide a continuoustransmission of embedded data communication is maintained because thepulsed light is not modulated in and on/off manner.

FIGS. 29 through ______ represent a number of duty cycle graphs. In atleast one embodiment during a period of time where the current isapplied to the LED's to provide illumination, variations may be providedto the current to create a data pulse stream. In the past the current iseither on or off providing a data pulse stream and a duty cycle which ison or off giving the perception to the human eye that the light is lessintense because it is turning on and off very rapidly. In this instancea human eye starts to see less photons and believes that that light isdimming. During the duty cycle when the current is off and the pulsewidth is at zero, there is no light, and it is dimming the totalillumination observed, which simultaneously prevents data communicationsduring the periods of time when the current is zero, which in turnprevents/reduces the available time for transmission of communicationdata lowering band width.

When the light is turned back on and the human eye starts perceivingillumination which in turn enables data to be turned back on andincluded in the illumination. The duty cycle as known is in a repetitivesequence of on/off, on/off, repeating.

In the traditional duty cycle data may only be transmitted withinillumination pulses when current is being provided to the LEDs. There isno light between pulses so there is no ability to carry data when yourcarrier is off, which reduces your ability to carry data.

In at least one embodiment the voltage provided to the LED's is varied.However, the voltage is always on, and no period of time is provided inwhich the duty cycle or the voltage is off. As a result, data may thenbe embedded into a continuous or constant data stream providing a 100%band width carrier. In at least one embodiment the provision of variableand continuous voltage provides higher band width.

In some embodiments the provision of continuous and variable voltageprovides a smoother illumination dimming capability. In at least oneembodiment the LEDs operate at higher efficiency. In the traditionalmodel an increase in the duration of off time provides less lightaccomplishing dimming of the illumination source. In at least oneembodiment, the LEDs of the present invention are not off, and dimmingoccurs by a reduction in the current or voltage applied to the LEDsthereby reducing illumination and accomplishing dimming withoutterminating power to the LEDs.

In certain embodiments if the number of LEDs utilized on an LED lightfixture 10 is increased, then the available LED diodes may be operatedat a lower intensity. Due to the increased number of available LEDs inthe LED light fixture 10 the overall desired light output is maintained.The running of an increased number of LEDs at a lower intensityincreases the efficiency of the LEDs significantly. In at least oneembodiment the height or amount of voltage applied to the LEDs may bevaried to provide a more efficient running of the diodes which resultsin the efficient operation of the LEDs and the provision of a desiredlevel of illumination.

In at least one embodiment illumination is provided as a service, namelyas a vehicle for data communication, as opposed to the provisionexclusively of illumination. In this embodiment the use of an increasednumber of LED light emitting diodes or units is desirable to maximizethe provision of the services for data communication as well asillumination for a designated area.

In some embodiments, the use of a variable power supply, enables the useof two set of diodes independently. For example, channel “A” runs thewarm set of diodes, and channel “B” runs the cold diodes. The hot andcold channels may then have separate voltage controls identified asinjectors which may be synonymous with a variable power supply. In atleast one embodiment current is injected into the LED's and differentcurrent injectors are utilized for different channels.

In a first embodiment a light emitting diode light assembly and systemprovides pulsed light communications and/or illumination, the systemcomprising:

-   -   A plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, each of the        light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a plurality of        light emitting diodes;    -   At least one power unit in electrical communication with the        plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures; and    -   A control server in electrical communication with the at least        one power unit, the control server comprising a processor,        memory and website, the website comprising an interface, the        interface being constructed and arranged to issue commands to        the at least one power unit to regulate illumination or pulsed        light communications emitted from the plurality of light        emitting diodes.

In at least one second embodiment in accordance with the firstembodiment, each of the light emitting diode light fixtures comprises atleast one photodetector and a control unit in electrical communicationwith the at least one photodetector and the plurality of light emittingdiodes, the at least one photodetector being constructed and arranged toreceive a pulsed light signal, the control unit being constructed andarranged to communicate the received pulsed light signal to the controlserver.

In at least one third embodiment in accordance with the secondembodiment, the control server is in further electrical communicationwith the plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures.

In at least one fourth embodiment in accordance with the thirdembodiment, the interface is constructed and arranged to issue commandsto the plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures.

In at least one fifth embodiment according to the fourth embodiment, thesystem further comprises at least one sensor in electrical communicationwith at least one of the plurality of light emitting diode lightfixtures, the sensor communicating the status of at least one of theplurality of light emitting diodes to the control unit or the controlserver.

In at least one sixth embodiment according to the fifth embodiment, theat least one sensor communicates the status of at least one of theplurality of light emitting diode light fixtures to the control unit orthe control server.

In at least one seventh embodiment according to the sixth embodiment,the at least one sensor monitors electricity provided to at least one ofthe plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures or at least one ofthe plurality of light emitting diodes.

In at least one eight embodiment according to the sixth embodiment, theinterface comprises a touchscreen, the touchscreen being constructed andarranged to change at least one of a status, intensity, color, timingand schedule, for illumination or pulsed light communications emittedfrom at least one of the light emitting diodes.

In at least one ninth embodiment according to the sixth embodiment, thesystem further comprises at least one switch in electrical communicationwith at least one of the control server, the control unit, the powerunit, at least one of the light emitting diode light fixtures, and atleast one of the plurality of light emitting diodes.

In at least one tenth embodiment according to the sixth embodiment, eachof the plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures comprises aunique identifier.

In at least one eleventh embodiment according to the tenth embodiment,each of the power units comprises a unique identifier.

In at least one twelfth embodiment according to the eleventh embodiment,each of the control units comprises a unique identifier.

In at least one thirteenth embodiment according to the twelfthembodiment, the unique identifier for at least one of the light emittingdiode light fixtures, the power unit, and the control unit isincorporated into a data packet, the data packet being embedded withinthe pulsed light communication.

In at least one fourteenth embodiment according to the sixth embodiment,the system further comprises a facility control unit in electricalcommunication with and disposed between the plurality of light emittingdiode light fixtures and the control server.

In at least one fifteenth embodiment according to the seventhembodiment, the interface is constructed and arranged to change at leasttwo of the status, intensity, color, timing and schedule, in anycombination, for illumination or pulsed light communications emittedfrom at least one of the light emitting diodes.

In at least one sixteenth embodiment a light emitting diode lightassembly and system provides pulsed light communications and/orillumination, the system comprising:

-   -   a plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, each of the        light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a plurality of        light emitting diodes;    -   at least one power unit in electrical communication with the        plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures; and    -   a control server in electric communication with the plurality of        light emitting diode light fixtures, the control server        comprising a processor, memory and a website, the website        comprising an interface, the interface being constructed and        arranged to issue commands to the plurality of light emitting        diode light fixtures to regulate illumination or pulsed light        communications emitted from the plurality of light emitting        diodes.

In a seventeenth embodiment, a light emitting diode light assembly andsystem provides pulsed light communications and/or illumination, thesystem comprising:

-   -   a plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, each of the        light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a plurality of        light emitting diodes;    -   at least one power unit in electrical communication with the        plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures; and    -   a control server in electric communication with the at least one        power unit and the plurality of light emitting diode light        fixtures, the control server comprising a processor, memory and        a website, the website comprising an interface, the interface        being constructed and arranged to issue commands to the at least        one power unit or the plurality of light emitting diode light        fixtures to regulate illumination or pulsed light communications        emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes.

Incorporated by reference herein in their entireties are the followingU.S. Pat. Nos. and patent application Ser. Nos. 13/706,864; 14/557,705;14/546,223; 14/546,218; 14/537,470; 14/290,152; 14/288,917; 14/270,670;14/227,375; 14/208,129; 14/208,125; 14/208,103; 14/208,090; 14/207,955;14/207,934; 14/050,759; 14/050,765; 61/927663; 61/927638; U.S. Pat. Nos.6,879,263; 7,046,160; 7,439,847; 7,902,978; 8,188,861; 8,188,878;8,188,879; 8,330,599; 8,331,790; 8,542,096; 8,543,505; 8,571,411;8,593,299; 8,687,965; 8,744,267; 8,751,390; 8,886,045; 8,890,655;8,890,773; and 8,902,076.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

I claim:
 1. A light emitting diode light assembly and system providing pulsed light communications and/or illumination, the system comprising: a. a plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, each of said light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes, at least one photodetector and at least one control unit in electrical communication with said at least one photodetector and said plurality of light emitting diodes; and b. a control server, said control server comprising a processor, memory and website, said website comprising an interface, said interface being constructed and arranged to issue commands to said at least one control unit to regulate illumination or pulsed light communications emitted from said plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein said at least one photodetector is constructed and arranged to receive a pulsed light signal.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor in electrical communication with at least one of said plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, said sensor communicating the status of at least one of said plurality of light emitting diodes to said at least one control unit or said control server.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor monitors electricity provided to at least one of said plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures or at least one of said plurality of light emitting diodes.
 4. The system according to claim 2, said interface comprising a touchscreen, said touchscreen being constructed and arranged to change at least one of a status, intensity, color, timing and schedule, for illumination or pulsed light communications emitted from at least one of said light emitting diodes.
 5. The system according to claim 2, further comprising at least one switch in electrical communication with at least one of said control server, said at least one control unit, at least one of said light emitting diode light fixtures, and at least one of said plurality of light emitting diodes.
 6. The system according to claim 2, each of said plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a unique identifier.
 7. The system according to claim 6, each of said at least one control units comprising a unique identifier.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said unique identifier for at least one of said light emitting diode light fixtures and said at least one control unit is incorporated into a data packet, said data packet being embedded within said pulsed light communication.
 9. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a facility control unit in electrical communication with and disposed between said plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures and said control server.
 10. The system according to claim 3, said interface being constructed and arranged to change at least two of said status, intensity, color, timing and schedule, in any combination, for illumination or pulsed light communications emitted from at least one of said light emitting diodes.
 11. A light emitting diode light assembly and system providing pulsed light communications and/or illumination, the system comprising: a. a plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, each of said light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes, at least one photodetector and at least one control unit, said plurality of light emitting diodes generating light as illumination, said at least one control unit being in communication with said plurality of light emitting diodes and said at least one photodetector, said at least one control unit being constructed and arranged for transmission of at least one transmitted communication signal, and said at least one photodetector being constructed and arranged for receipt of at least one received communication signal, said at least one transmitted communication signal being embedded within said illumination; and b. a control server in electric communication with said at least one control unit, said control server comprising a processor, memory and a website, said website comprising an interface, said interface being constructed and arranged to issue commands to said at least one control unit to regulate illumination or pulsed light communications emitted from said plurality of light emitting diodes.
 12. A light emitting diode light assembly and system providing pulsed light communications and/or illumination, the system comprising: a. a plurality of light emitting diode light fixtures, each of said light emitting diode light fixtures comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes, at least one photodetector and at least one control unit, said plurality of light emitting diodes generating light as illumination, said at least one control unit being in communication with said plurality of light emitting diodes and said at least one photodetector, said at least one control unit being constructed and arranged for transmission of at least one transmitted communication signal, and said at least one photodetector being constructed and arranged for receipt of at least one received communication signal; and b. a control server in electric communication with said at least one control unit, said control server comprising a processor, memory and a website, said website comprising an interface, said interface being constructed and arranged to issue commands to said at least one control unit, to regulate illumination or pulsed light communications emitted from said plurality of light emitting diodes. 